A PRINTING firm has solved two problems that have evolved from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as raising much needed funds for the NHS.

PBL Print in Chester-le-Street, like many companies, has found that its turnover has dropped as a direct result of the pandemic.

Despite ongoing major business to business contracts with big players such as the NHS, the firm found that business was slow and the prospect of losing staff loomed on the horizon.

So the directors decided to utilise their skills, equipment and awareness of the current situation to protect their employees’ jobs and help parents occupy their children during the lockdown period.

The printing company, which was established nearly 30 years ago and includes shop front entity Like to Print, has designed and produced a 30-day stay at home colouring book with activity planner to help engage children in fun, educational activities to support them during their time at home.

Sales Director Chris Murley said the activity book has been produced with a £1 donation going to the NHS for each one sold.

He said: “Our creative team have really gone into over drive and delved back into their own childhoods to come up with this product which we hope will solve the problem of children looking for activities to do at home. We’ve kept costs down as much as we could and each one includes postage, packaging and a £1 donation to the NHS.

“It’s helped us to keep our staff busy and we hope it will keep thousands of young people occupied constructively too.”

The A4 sized colouring book with activity planner comes with free crayons and its 30-day calendar helps to plan and structure the child’s day by reminding parents when it’s time for exercise, focused activity or play.

It is available from liketoprint.co.uk priced £5.99 including postage and packaging which includes a £1 donation to the NHS.