WORSHIPPERS and leaders at a Netherton mosque are working to help the community during the coronavirus crisis by providing vital donations to those in need.

The team at Netherton Islamic Trust have been collecting food donated by the Muslim community across Dudley, which they are donating to care homes and Russells Hall Hospital.

They have also launched a campaign to thank NHS staff for their hard work by displaying banners in prominent locations across the area.

Staff at Pedmore House on Corngreaves Road in Cradley Heath were left in a desperate situation when they were unable to get a supermarket delivery slot, meaning staff had to shop for fresh milk and necessities every day.

After hearing about their struggle, the mosque's imam Ijaz Ahmad Shaami led volunteers who stepped in with regular donations. As a result, the mosque now regularly supplies the home with food and vital personal protection equipment.

Imam Ijaz Shaami, who is also the leading Imam for the Black Country, said: "We are here for the community and are working tirelessly to support those front line staff and organisations working and fighting the battle against this national emergency."

Sunny Ahmed, whose father Hafiz Anayat Ali founded the Netherton Islamic Trust and has been a leading figure in the Dudley Muslim community for over 30 years, explained how the pandemic has shown the need for communities to work together to help each other.

He said: "The lockdown doesn't affect one particular community, one race or religion. The virus doesn't look at you like that, we have to help everyone."

The team at the Netherton Islamic Trust have also designed and displayed banners around Dudley and Sandwell thanking NHS workers for their dedication during the crisis.

Fifteen banners have been placed in prominent locations, including outside Russells Hall Hospital, to mark the Muslim community's thanks.

The Trust ran an online competition to find a design for the banner, which was won by ten-year-old Netherton schoolgirl Momina Rehman. Her drawing takes pride of place on the banner, which can also be seen outside Asda in Dudley town centre and on the Dudley Southern Bypass.

The efforts come as Muslims mark the holy month of Ramadan, a time where traditionally the Muslim community would join together after sunset to break their fast and say prayers.

With the Netherton Islamic Trust closed for the foreseeable future, the team are streaming prayers on Facebook Live each night as a way to bring the community together while social distancing.

Sunny said: "We normally come together to break our fast, it's a busy time of year for the Muslim community. To think we can't this year is really sad but we have to protect each and every single person from this virus."