Steve Waggott has praised Rovers Community Trust for being ‘on the front foot’ and serving the local community in the current climate.

The club’s official charity have been in touch with members of its projects such Jack’s Walkers, Line Dancing and Remember the Rovers over the phone to offer reassurance and support.

The Coronavirus outbreak has meant all sessions and activities based at the Indoor Centre at Ewood Park have ceased, but that hasn’t stopped staff engaging with members of the community.

Many members of Community Trust staff have also helped out at Blackburn Foodbank, providing a helping hand at the centre by putting together food parcels which will be distributed across the town.

“It’s in difficult times, like we’re going through now, that the essential role a football club plays within the community it serves comes to the fore, by getting on the front foot rather than pulling away and reducing contact with the most vulnerable and at risk groups,” said the club’s chief executive.

“The work that Gary Robinson and his team are currently undertaking to bring comfort and assistance to those most in need shows the fantastic dedication him and his staff show towards all the people they work with.”

Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Gary Robinson, has thanked staff for their commitment during this time.

He said: “As a football club, we’ve always prided ourselves on being a part of a strong community spirit that exists in Blackburn with Darwen.

“The entire country is going through an unprecedented situation, so it’s vitally important that organisations who are based in the heart of their local community, such as ourselves, continue to support local people and carry on with the vital work that we do.”

Education and sports staff have been in with students, though a number of Premier League Kicks sessions and youth clubs being postponed for the time being.

“To see the staff making phone calls to participants and supporting Blackburn Foodbank is heart-warming, but it doesn’t surprise me – they’re an amazing group of people who care passionately about Blackburn with Darwen,” Mr Robinson added.

“We’re having to adapt our approach to community work, but we’re as committed as ever to being there for our local community when they need us the most.

“We’ve been on the phones, calling elderly and vulnerable people that participate in our community projects, just making sure they’re alright, to let them know that we’re thinking about them and we’re here if they need to talk to a familiar voice or if they need us to run any errands on their behalf.

“We’re also supporting our good friends at Blackburn Foodbank, as there could be a greater demand for their amazing service.”