A COUPLE have been lauded for their efforts supporting the local community in lockdown, during which they’ve distributed more than £15,000-worth of food and essentials for the vulnerable, elderly and others.

Whether it’s serving afternoon tea for Dormanstown pensioners, delivering medication to a local cancer sufferer or providing free meals for disadvantaged schoolchildren, Chris and Debbie Powlay are champions of their community.

Now two local charities, who’ve supported the community champions, have sung the praises of the big-hearted duo, who go by the name of Ladies of Steel - Helping Hands.

They are full of praise for the way the couple, who normally run the Corus Sports and Social Club in Dormanstown, have put their spare time to good use during lockdown.

Debbie and Chris have delivered nearly 500 food parcels for the elderly, vulnerable and struggling families across Dormanstown and nearby areas including Redcar, Marske and Kirkleatham as well as delivering ready meals to adults with learning difficulties across the areas.

Around 1,500 have been helped by the pair so far.

County Durham Community Foundation has funded the Ladies of Steel with two grants totalling £10,000 to support the Helping Hands project, while Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation has donated £500 plus £250 in shopping vouchers and supplies of hand sanitiser, gloves and masks.

“People are extremely grateful for what we do,” Ms Powlay said. “I’ve had people say ‘I’m on my last slice of bread’ or that they have no milk. People have cried on their doorstep.

"I’m a big softie so I do get very emotional. Sometimes it’s happy crying because I see how much it means to them but other times I do come away with a tear in my eye because I’m sad for them.

“Some people are desperate, others are is isolation and are worried that they might have to go out to get food or medicines. Many elderly aren’t internet-savvy so wouldn’t know where to start with an online shopping order.

“Sadly, people are falling through the cracks and it’s been a delight just to see them smiling.”