Preston furniture company Plumbs is swapping sofa covers for scrubs in an effort to protect NHS staff on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus.

Plumbs, which is based in Old Lancaster Lane in Ashton-on-Ribble, got involved after Rachel Crisp, a fourth generation member of the family business, spotted a call for help with sewing scrubs.

A spokesperson for Plumbs said: “After contacting her mum and Managing Director, Sarah, Plumbs swiftly donated 600m of fabric to a local community initiative using in-home sewers to produce essential goods such as scrubs, scrub bags, headbands and ear savers.

“But with a highly skilled team of sewers behind us, plus professional fabric cutting technology, we still felt we could contribute more to the cause.”

“We then decided to donate £5,000 in exchange for large volumes of royal blue and green scrub fabrics, which were cut on our machines and returned to the group for sewing.

“A small team of staff volunteered to come into the factory in order to help operate the machines, with the appropriate health and safety measures in place.

“Members of the Plumbs production team have been inspired to help, with many dusting off their sewing machines at home to take on batches of the essential goods.”

All products will be distributed locally to Preston-based hospitals and medical facilities.

Read more: Nurses at Royal Preston Hospital claim they were given ‘just flimsy masks and gloves’ to treat coronavirus patients

MD Sarah said: “In challenging times like these, it is important that those who can provide help, do so. We had been on the lookout for any way the company was able to assist, and with all the calls for more PPE, this seemed like the best way to offer our help and equipment.

“We were incredibly proud to see such enthusiasm from our team – this really is community spirit at its finest.”

Read more: How these family-run Preston businesses are helping people affected by coronavirus

To join in with the sewing or donate to the cause, visit ‘Sewing Urgent Supplies for Preston’s NHS Heroes, Can You Help Too?’ on Facebook.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

What do you think of Plumbs’ helping produce scrubs? Let us know in the comments.