A regional press-backed bid to help those affected by the coronavirus crisis has now raised more than a million pounds.

The Cambridgeshire Coronavirus Community Fund – backed by Reach plc daily the Cambridge News and Iliffe Media weekly the Cambridge Independent – has now received a total of £1m in donations.

The appeal was set up after the titles joined forces with the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation at the start of the crisis.

The News splashed on the seven-figure target being smashed on Thursday.

Editor David Barlett said: “This campaign has shown what communities can achieve when they pull together.

“It is a huge effort and I’d like to thank all our readers and businesses that have donated to the fundraising appeal.

“The Cambridgeshire Community Foundation is making sure all money raised is spent in targeted ways that will deliver support where it is most needed.

“Unfortunately much more will be needed, and the hard work does not stop here.”

Paul Brackley, editor of the Cambridge Independent, added: “It is fantastic to see the Cambridgeshire Coronavirus Community Fund raise so much money.

“We’ve been delighted to support and publicise the fund, but the credit really should go to the small team at Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, who have worked tirelessly to run this appeal and distribute the money in ways that have made a real difference at this most challenging of times.

“I would like to congratulate them on this milestone, and thank our readers and all of those individuals and businesses who have contributed. The need goes on and so does the fundraising.”

You can read all our coronavirus-related stories here.