ATHERSTONE'S Co-ops have filled all their temporary store jobs created last week in record time after lending a helping hand to those in the community thrown out of work by the coronavirus crisis.

The town's biggest retailer, along with group's 2,600 stores, was delighted with the "unprecedented" response to its nationwide recruitment drive – only begun last week.

By tomorrow, all 5,000 new recruits will be working across the convenience retailer's network of stores, giving a boost to the Co-op's efforts to keep shelves replenished.

New starts are being retained on a rolling three-month contract.

Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op Food, said: "Just one week ago we asked members of the public who needed jobs to come forward and join forces with us.

"The response has been overwhelming as people pull together to feed the nation. All of our colleagues are heroes and are doing an amazing job under huge pressure."

This week, the Co-op announced a raft of measures to enforce social distancing in stores following the announcement of new Government legislation including the introduction of floor markers, creating more space between customers at till points and controlling the number of customers in stores.

In its Long Street store in Atherstone that meant closing the front doors and making entry via the car park.

Staff in business support roles who are not currently working in stores or distribution centres are being encouraged to lend a hand in their local Co-op amid the surge in demand for groceries.