Hundreds of people have joined two sister dailies’ pen friend scheme – launched to help those left lonely by the coronavirus crisis.

The Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News launched the Here to Help: Not Alone appeal to help combat social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

The project, led by reporter Donna-Louise Bishop, pictured, has now gone on to connect more than 500 people across the globe.

Interested parties can still join the scheme by contacting the EDP.

Andrew Fitchett, district editor for the EDP, told HTFP: “The response to the Here to Help: Not Alone appeal has been staggering.

“We know there a lot of kind-hearted people locally, but we’ve also had people getting in touch from as far afield as France and Thailand offering their support.

“As much as coronavirus has been a hardship for all of us, with so much tragedy, projects like this show that there is still a strong sense of community and support out there.

“We’re happy to facilitate it – and it’s our job to do that – but the volunteers who have come forward deserve all the praise.”

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