Dan Newman, Pure Taste owner in Midsomer Norton, has been offering free tea and biscuits for on-duty frontline NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

The local business owner, who has owned the cafe´ for eight years, said: “I have a lot of family in the NHS and really feel for them at this time. They are struggling to get any food or anything after their shifts.

“It is just a little gesture, but I wanted to show my appreciation and support for them all.”

Dan started this act of kindness earlier last week. He explained: “As the week went on, I realised just how serious the situation was getting.

“The NHS workers have been hit so hard; they have so much to do to care for every-

one and are not getting the breaks that they usually would. It is just nice to show some sort of compassion and for them to know I am here and want to help.”

Dan has said he will continue to offer this service throughout the pandemic, to keep up the support for the people who are helping our communities the most.

Much like other businesses, Dan is struggling with the demand for food and the consequences of people panic-buying in the supermarkets. He said: “I am running low on things, the whole sales are low on stock, which means I cannot get the ingredients I need. I buy certain foods fresh every morning, but everything is running out, it is just a continuous spiral effect.

“I want to stay open as long as I can so that people know I am here to support them. A lot of my regulars are elderly, and their daily trip in here could be the highlight of their day – we need to think about tackling loneliness, as well as helping in general.”

Dan is in talks about starting a delivery service to the doctors surgeries in Bath to take the pressure off of their working day and make sure that they are able to eat, even when they have no time for breaks.