Richmond residents can now take an advantage of a service offered by the Co-op – and get their prescriptions delivered direct to their door at no extra cost.

The service is a lifeline to many thousands of people whose movements are restricted because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Its simple-to-use process has been designed by the Co-op as part of their commitment to helping local communities.

Co-op Health managing director Tim Davies said: "We know that people are concerned about accessing their repeat medication prescriptions and we want to reassure people that we can deliver repeat medication safely and conveniently to homes across the UK if they would prefer not to travel to a pharmacy."

Thurrock Nub News reporter Neil Speight, who requires regular medication to manage his Type Two diabetes, tried out the system this week – and within a few days had his prescription delivered direct to his door.

He said: "To be honest, I was a little sceptical and I am a bit of a technophobe.

"But I found it pretty easy to use and it all went very smoothly.

"In the past I have sometimes forgotten I have prescriptions waiting at the local pharmacy and I am sure it doesn't help them either to have packets of pills clogging up their shelves. This way the system is very streamlined.

"All I did was download the Co-op's free app and then follow the guidelines.

"My prescript came in the post. I am sure this will prove to be a massive boost to a lot of people who struggle to get out to a pharmacy, even when the coronavirus lockdown ends."

"And if you need prescriptions even quicker, a significant number of Co-op stores are also able to hold your prescription for collection.

"Another positive is they are open a lot longer than most pharmacies. The application will even tell you where the nearest Co-op that offers the service is."

Many people aren't aware that they can manage their repeat medication online but the Co-op service is quick and easy to manage.

Once you're logged in once, the NHS picks up what medication you are prescribed, confirms with your doctor - and Co-op do the rest.

You can download the app by clicking the download button here.