AN MP has thanked the vehicle hire company which created a motorhome village for key medical staff at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Hyndburn Conservative backbencher Sara Britcliffe said the generosity of Oswaldtwistle Priory Rentals was a shining example of East Lancashire’s community spirit in action during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Union Road firm took 50 campervans to the hospital car park so doctors and nurses could stay on site and rest while they battle the Covid-19 pandemic

Miss Britcliffe, who also represents Oswaldtwistle’s St Andrew’s ward on Hyndburn Council said: "I would like to personally thank Priory Rentals for doing this to help our NHS staff, and all the local firms that have been helping in our community.

“This will provide a home for many of the incredible staff who right now are unable to return to their loved ones, as they continue their incredible work on the frontline. It really is such a tremendous token of generosity and I am sure it has been greatly appreciated. During these difficult times, it really does go to show what an amazing community spirit we have here in Hyndburn and Haslingden."

Priory Rentals owner Emma Carter, 39, said she and her staff wanted to help local NHS staff and realised their motorhomes could be the answer, adding: “They are on the front-line and deserve all the support they can get.