A LOCKDOWN heroine who headed a team of stitchers making more than 40,000 bags for frontline workers has been recognised with an award from the Prime Minister.

At the start of the coronavirus crisis Donna Powell, who was shielding at the time, started making wash bags for her radiographer daughter, Laura Peacock to safely bring her uniform home and wash.

Requests from Laura's colleagues soon came in and so Donna, from Horwich, put out an appeal for volunteer machinists for the Bag the Bug project.

Since then she has been helped by an army of people who have created thousands of bags for grateful staff in hospitals, care homes, dental surgeries and other locations.

Her efforts have now been recognised with a Points of Light award, designed to acknowledge the efforts of volunteers in the community, from the Prime Minister.

"I feel very proud," said Donna.

"I was shocked to receive this award as I had no idea about my nomination.

"Bag the Bug has helped many thousands of people. Needless to say, I look forward to a day when we are no longer required.

“The generosity of people has allowed us to continue and through the strength of local community, we have delivered over 40,000 bags.

"I have seen first hand how this has helped the mental health of volunteers as well as the safety of the recipients and all by coordinating the product of such a simple item.”