A grant of £1,000 has been awarded to help residents of the Isles of Scilly cope with the devastating loss of tourism caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The local economy on the islands is centred around holidaymakers, but they are now unable to visit the islands.

Beaches, streets and businesses stand empty and as a result many families on the Isles of Scilly are experiencing enormous hardship and anxiety.

They and many others have turned to their community for support.

Cornwall Community Foundation has awarded £1,000 to The Edward McDonald Trust to provide emergency help to individuals struggling on the islands.

Joel Williams, a trustee of The Edward McDonald Trust, said “Scilly, like Cornwall, has a tourism and service sector based economy.

"Most people are low paid, on seasonal contracts and often reliant on several jobs to sustain themselves.

"Covid-19 has devastated the early season with all hotels, cafes, restaurants and many shops shut.

"Closure of our school and childcare setting further compound issues for local families.

"Grants funding offers some relief to those hit hardest by the downturn in the economy.

"The Isles of Scilly has no foodbank and the cost of food here is greater than the mainland due to freight costs.”

The Edward McDonald Trust supports many deserving individuals including those experiencing poor health, financial hardship, domestic abuse and other challenging circumstances.

Working alongside social workers they make financial grants ranging from £50 to £500.

Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation said, “Our local communities always pull together in times of need and we are here right behind them to provide support for as long as it takes.

"We are so proud to be supporting so many local heroes.

"During the last two months we have distributed more than £418,000, from our crisis and emergency funds.”

To find more details and apply for funding to the Emergency Fund visit the Cornwall Community Foundation’s website at cornwallcommunityfoundation.com.