An essential worker from Holbrook has been named employee of the month for his outstanding contribution in putting together, and delivering, food parcels and personal protective equipment across Suffolk.

Tim Buckles volunteered to keep working with Vertas based at Endeavour House and supports the Suffolk Resilience Forum in their work for the most vulnerable in the community.

He and his colleagues have delivered nearly 500 emergency food parcels to those in urgent need of food supplies and helped distribute 4,100kgs of food to foodbanks across Suffolk through Fareshare. This equates to 1,230 individual food parcels.

Tim was presented with his award by Vertas operations manager Lee Johns along with colleague Gina Southam in a brief social distancing hand over, before going off to make more deliveries.

"Although I'm glad to be doing what we do, this has given me a lift and I know my family are pleased,' said Tim. "It is good to be recognised but there are a lot of good people out there doing some wonderful work.

"Some of my colleagues were furloughed but I wanted to stay and do whatever I could to help."

Wife Amy, who is a support worker with Leading Lives helping adults with learning disabilities, has also been playing a key role in helping people in the emergency respite unit, doing home visits and vital phone calls.

She has also been putting together activity packs, all while home schooling 12-year-old Jacob and Amber (aged seven).

"Tim is honesty one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people I know," said Amy. "Nothing is too much and is always so giving, he really deserves this.

"I feel so lucky to be his wife and we are so proud of him."

She has also been putting together activity packs, all while home schooling 12-year-old Jacob and Amber (aged seven).

The family celebrated Tim's accolade with a meal-time treat from Dolly's Pizzas on Wednesday but he was back at work yesterday.

While husband and wife have been working hard for the community, they also enjoyed the extra family time they have been able to have at home.

Tim said: "We put together the parcels and I deliver to say, Lowestoft, but once we are done we can go home so I can often be back with the family in the early afternoon, which has been excellent."

Amy added: "It is a horrible situation but work wise, the most rewarding thing probably is how we are finding new ways to work and support people and being a helpful part of society

"I love having the children at home, we get more time to do things, we are not stressed running around here and there."

Amy and Tim believe the whole lockdown scenario will make a lot of people look at their work, life balance going forward.

"We nourish the home life, especially when we are usually both out working achieved something," said Amy. "We will look at our home life balance and what needs to have our attention, and what doesn't."

Call Home But Not Alone helpline for advice or support: 0800 876 6926.