A pharmacy donated hundreds of masks to Croydon Met Police force to help protect their on patrol officers during the coronavirus epidemic.

On Sunday (March 30) Super Intendant Andy Brittain tweeted his delight at turning up to a shift in Croydon during the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus 'lockdown' to find hundreds waiting for him and his colleagues.

"I have come into work today to find this amazing donation from the @ChurchPharmacy many thanks for your generosity the officers at @MPSSutton, @MPSBromley and @MPSCroydon are very grateful. #ProtectTheNHS," Brittain wrote.

Church Pharmacy are 'Medical Aesthetics Specialist' who provide for the NHS and business-to-business pharmacy services.

Speaking to the Croydon Guardian after the donation was made, Co-director Zain Bhojani described how the act of solidarity with our emergency services came about:

"We were contacted by a member of the police station in Croydon about the supply of masks as it's something we do as a healthcare provider.

"We're a very resourceful team and were able to get a hold of some supplies and Croydon MPS wanted to arrange an order but we decided to donate around 295 masks and gloves at no cost.

"There's a lot of frontline NHS donations that we've been doing as well but we thought it's nice to remember the people who are keeping us all safe in these uncertain times," he said.

Bhojani responded with modesty when quizzed about the positive response the donation had attracted online (hundreds of Twitter users alone showed their appreciation to Brittain's original Tweet).

"It's not a big amount (of equipment) to be honest with you... we wanted to help in any small way we can.

"We didn't want to make a big deal about it but it's nice for the team to be recognized.

"They work really hard and provide essential services themselves and I'm proud to work with them. We just want to help in anyway we can."