Glastonbury construction company Melhuish and Saunders has offered to help the NHS and schools for free during the coronavirus crisis, following its completion of work on three GP consulting rooms.

The firm completed the refurbishment of the doctors' rooms in time for the lockdown and escalation of the response by the NHS to the virus, and managing director Darryl Mitchard said his company will do what it can to help schools and the health service during this time.

He said: "All the sites we are working on are now closed in relation to government guidelines, but wherever we can, and it is safe to do so, we will offer to help any NHS organisations or schools at this difficult time.

"We have all got to help each other, so if any NHS organisation or school would like something fitted or worked on, please get in touch and we will help for free.

"Obviously, we would take the maximum care to make sure our workers are not putting anyone at risk, but we can do essential works under the current government guidelines.

"For example, if schools have hand sanitisers they need fitting, they can give us a shout and we can send someone along to fit them in time for whenever the children might be returning."

The GP consulting room refurbishments were at Trowbridge Health Centre, which incorporates Wingfield Surgery where Melhuish and Saunders had completed a number of works previously.

The work involved stripping the rooms of their old and outdated furnishings and carpets, plus the electrics and lighting.

They are now fitted out to the highest standard possible to meet the stringent infection control standards, and are being used at full capacity in the crisis.

Mr Mitchard said Melhuish and Saunders office staff were working from home while their sites were closed until April 14.

He said: "As a company we have to do our bit to stop the spread of this virus, so we will see what the latest government advice is closer to April 14 and decide what to do then.

"We have many urgent works underway, particularly at schools, so we would like to help them by completing the work as soon as possible, but obviously only when it is safe to do so.

"In the meantime, we will continue to contact NHS organisations and schools to offer our help, so we can do what we can.

"Please everybody stay safe and healthy, and hopefully things will return to normal sooner rather than later."