THE Vale of Glamorgan Council is paying tribute to the staff working in extremely challenging circumstances during the coronavirus crisis.

The likes of social care workers, waste crews and teachers continue to carry out their duties to help deliver the services on which we rely in these difficult times.

And in recognition of that effort, the Council has launched the #ValeRainbowHeroes campaign to salute the teams performing such important tasks.

A series of specially-designed signs are to be placed in prominent locations throughout the Vale, giving special thanks to specific groups.

They include:

• Care workers
• Waste crews
• The PPE team
• The contact centre
• The Crisis Support Team
• School staff
• Care home teams

To provide an insight into the crucial work some of these teams are carrying out, in excess of 5,000 calls have been fielded by the Council's call centre, Contact One Vale.

Approximately 3,000 calls have been made to vulnerable residents who have been advised to shield themselves during the crisis, offering reassurance and advice.

More than 300 requests have been received for Welsh Government food parcels and the Covid-19 crisis line has handled around 150 calls.

Nearly 50 Telecare installations, an emergency alarm system, have been completed and Telecare call handlers have taken over 3,000 calls.

Cllr Neil Moore, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "I'm sure every resident across the Vale would join me in thanking our frontline staff for the exceptional work they are doing in extremely challenging circumstances.

"That work is hugely appreciated and I hope each and every individual involved is extremely proud of the contribution they are making to deliver vital services at this difficult time. Such efforts are absolutely crucial in the fight against this virus.

"To pay tribute to that commitment, we will be installing signs around the Vale expressing our gratitude to these members of staff.

"They really are key workers and I hope this small gesture helps highlight their professionalism and how highly we value them."