As Penarth continues to tackle the coronavirus lockdown, Cllr Christine Cave, the Mayor for the Vale of Glamorgan, has sent a message to residents praising the ''true community spirit'' throughout the Vale.

She said: ''As Mayor for the Vale of Glamorgan, I want to send a special thanks to everyone playing their part in defeating the coronavirus.

''Over the last weeks, we have all witnessed the effect the virus has had and seen its impact on the NHS and care sector.

''I would like to formally thank our fantastic NHS workers, who are on the frontline for us looking after those affected by the virus.

''Like many residents in the Vale, I have been clapping on the doorstep every Thursday evening at 8 pm with my family to show our appreciation for the work the NHS staff are doing. NHS workers, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

''I would also like to thank the care workers and care home staff looking after the most vulnerable members of our communities and all the people that have come forward to become part of the care workforce.

''Everywhere, people are doing really wonderful things to help each other. I have heard many accounts of how people across the Vale of Glamorgan have set out to help each other. I've heard about residents who have changed roles, for example changing from the beauty sector to the care sector.

''Hundreds of people across the Vale: in Barry, Dinas Powys, Llantwit Major, Penarth, Sully, Ogmore by Sea and across the Rural Vale are doing all they can to offer help and support to others.

''I would also like to thank Vale Council workers, including our waste teams, school staff and everyone else involved in making sure the services on which we rely continue to function.

''You are all doing a great job of supporting people in your communities under very difficult circumstances.

''I have seen the wonderful things Vale residents are doing to show their appreciation, whether that's writing notes of thanks on social media or clapping when they see frontline workers in the community.

''This is true community spirit.

''I would like to thank local businesses who are helping residents get the vital supplies they need like food, medication and more.

''And I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has volunteered. I have heard many stories about how volunteers and voluntary organisations are offering help to those most in need.

''An example in Ogmore by-Sea is the 'helping hands group' that are delivering food and medications to residents. Likewise, across the Vale, people are supporting each other, including the most vulnerable.

''From setting up food banks to checking on neighbours and the efforts of one farmer who has cut a walk across a field so that people can have an enjoyable and safe way to exercise. I can't thank people enough for all their efforts – big and small. They are all making a big difference in people's lives.

''Also, thanks to the Round Table and Rotary Clubs who have been helping deliver medication and food as well as offering a friendly telephone call to people who might be living on their own.

''They have been supporting the donation of disposable aprons and also running competitions for children. For example, they have organised a competition in Barry for the best rainbow picture. Those drawings certainly brighten things up.

''Others have been making scrubs, facemasks and drawstring bags for NHS uniforms. I have also been making facemasks in my spare time remotely with my granddaughter Elin. My granddaughter makes a better seamstress than I do.

''In Dinas Powys, the Voluntary Concern have been offering help to the most vulnerable in their community, those who have received the shielding letter, and coordinating donations of food for the Vale foodbank. This is truly fantastic support.

''During this time, these organisations rely on volunteers and donations and I'm pleased that we are launching The Vale Council Heroes Crisis Grant Fund. This will offer grants to community groups, the voluntary sector, Town and Community Councils and eligible businesses.

''But it is not just the established groups who have been helping. I would like to thank all the residents for their help and support, including those who have been co-ordinating the Covid-19 pages across the Vale. The community spirit they have shown, with the jokes, children's pictures and offers of help and advice are invaluable.

''Thank you also for everyone who has stayed at home. By doing so together we are saving lives. This is the only way to halt the spread of this disease, protect our NHS and save many thousands of lives. The Vale (along with the rest of Wales) is rising to the challenge. We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together.

''I would like to hear your stories from across the Vale, see children's drawings and hear what you have been doing to show kindness and support to others. I will try to share these on Facebook and on the council website.

''In the fight against coronavirus, we can be in no doubt that each and every one of us is directly enlisted. We all have an important part to play and I am proud, like I am sure we all are, of everyone's efforts across the Vale in making sure we all stay well.

''Thank you to everyone for all that you are doing.''