THE Adver’s delivery agents are still out and about dropping the paper to your doorstep during this unprecedented crisis.

Though the government has advised people not to go out unless necessary, paper boys and girls are considered key workers providing an important public service.

Robert Friend has been going on an hour-long 4am jog during his rounds for six days a week since October 2016 and, like his colleagues, has now gone the extra mile to help vulnerable people.

The 18-year-old from Liden said: “I left notes to people who I knew were most at risk saying that if they need anything from the shops, I’d be happy to get it for them.

“Since then, I’ve had a few thank-you messages and one lady who left an empty bag, a list and some money for me to do a bit of shopping for her.

“Everyone’s in the same boat during this global crisis so we can try to get some positives out of it and unite together to help people.

“At times like this, a lot of people are isolated and the paper is their only way to keep up to date with what’s happening. The Adver is close to people’s hearts and they look forward to getting it.

“They appreciate having someone who is always there for them.”

His efforts have been praised by a couple of our loyal readers.

Alan and Chris Shrive told the Adver: “We want to say a big thank you to our paper boy Rob. He has been polite and friendly over the three years delivering our Adver.

“We received a note from him offering help with or going shopping for his elderly customers through these difficult times.

“Having been newsagents ourselves, we know paper boys work in all weathers and you do not get many young men doing that these days. Well done, Rob.”

He’s not the only one making an effort to support some of the thousands of people who rely on our paper being delivered.

Hannah Wardroper, 14, from Highworth, has been doing this since last April.

She said: “It creates a sense of community, especially for some the elderly people on my round. When they see me waving at the door, their faces light up, it means a lot to them.

“I’m writing notes to them just to check if they’re alright. For some, the paper is their only connection to the outside world so it’s important that they get it.”

Some people have volunteered to deliver copies of the paper during these uncertain times.

RedheadPR founder Sara Tye said: “For the last week or so, Dave Cairns and I have been delivering the Adver early in the morning. It's important that this paper is delivered because a lot of residents don’t see anyone or get anything all day.

“Local journalism is so important.We’ve walked over 20 miles and seen areas of Swindon that we had not seen before.”

As part of our commitment to being #thereforyou, our agents have taken precautions to keep themselves and customers safe.

Have your Adver delivered to your door. For more information call 01793 501310