Scrub a Dub Dub in Penarth is working with local residents in the community to create scrubs for medical staff at the Llandough and UHW hospitals.

Residents from across Penarth have joined the group which supplies patterns and instructions to design and create medical clothing that is fit for purpose.

Vivienne Mumby, who started the initiative, is self-employed and has found herself out of work since the coronavirus erupted.

Ms Mumby is a councillor by profession and works with individuals and groups, particularly in health and social care fields.

She wanted to get involved in helping those who were fighting the virus and with her wardrobe experience in theatres and production, Scrub a Dub Dub was formed.

Penarth Nub News spoke to Vivienne Mumby about the initiative and what she hoped to achieve.

Ms Mumby said: ''In a former career, I was a wardrobe mistress in the Sherman Theatre. I used to manage big costume shows. I have been out of the field for a long time, but this has catapulted me back into it.''

''It all started in Manchester. I am part of a team up there and they came up with the idea to get a group of people together to make scrubs for the NHS.

''At first, I was going to help them directly, but I thought it would be better to concentrate on doing something down here in South Wales and helping NHS staff locally.

''They liked that idea and sent me patterns and information on fabrics and materials and that's how it all started. It only really got going a week or so ago.

Vivienne then appealed to the residents of Penarth and surrounding areas for help.

''There is a Helping Hands group on Facebook where I posted about the idea and it has just taken off from there. It has snowballed a bit like the virus I suppose, but in a positive way.

''It has been the most amazing thing. Gradually, more and more people have come on board.

''I have volunteers helping me with Excel, a Go Fund Me page, managing the Facebook page. A few of us are now managing the admin side of things too. We don't want to create something chaotic.''

Vivienne Mumby has spoken to procurement at the UHW and Llandough sites to see whether the project would be helpful for them.

''They are equipping all of their specialist COVID-19 wards and are under pressure and desperate for the clothing.

''I asked them whether they needed a certain colour for the scrubs and was told any colour at all.

''They are getting through around 400 uniforms a day. We have set up an aim to create 100 sets for Friday. I think we will smash that.

''However, we don't want people to risk their own well-being.''

Vivienne explained that any input to the cause was worthy and that they don't want anyone doing anything they cannot manage.

''If anyone can make one or two sets, everything counts. Every contribution helps.''

The community of Penarth and surrounding areas has been integral to the success of the project.

''A Go Fund Me which was set up on Friday raised over £2000 in just two days. We are using that money to order fabric from mills in Lancashire which are selling out fast. We have ordered around 400 metres so far.

''I have discovered the truly astonishing community we have around Penarth and Barry. So many people are willing to give their time and energy. It is quite emotional to be honest. Out of something so scary and frightening, good can come.

''The community has been coming together in so many ways and I hope that after this is all over that, is at the least, the thing that remains.''

In order to make the patterns, you will need to have a sewing machine and an overlocker. This is so the pieces that are created are fit for a medical purpose and can be used by NHS staff.

''If people don't have a sewing machine and overlocker they are still donating to the cause or doing the projects that require less equipment and experience.''

Some of the smaller projects like the crochet hearts, scrub hats and headbands are easier for less experienced and less equipped, sewers to work on.

Safety is of paramount importance to the project. Vivienne explained that all of the fabric has to be washed at a high temperature to ensure that it is pre-shrunk, safe and ready to go.

''We are giving the next best thing to professional medical suppliers.''

''We are trying to manage all of this in the safest way possible. We are delivering and collecting fabric with gloves and ensuring we are always 2 m apart.

''It is not one person doing everything, we are spreading the load and being very careful.

''This is also the reason we won't be making facemasks. We've been told that the specifications for this are too difficult to achieve and most would be unusable for NHS staff.''

To find out more about the cause you can find Scrub a Dub Dub's Facebook page here.

To donate to the cause please visit the Go Fund Me page.