Thoughts, prayers and well-wishes have been sent to residents and a staff member from Spring Lodge who are being treated at Ipswich Hospital with Covid-19.

Malcolm Pridmore, known as Malcy, the popular handyman at the residential home in Woolverstone is in a serious condition in hospital after contracting coronavirus.

Kingsley Healthcare, which owns the Spring Lodge, also confirmed a resident who became unwell at the care home, in Woolverstone, was taken to Ipswich Hospital where tests for COVID-19 proved positive.

A second resident is being treated in hospital with suspected COVID-19 while a further five residents who developed possible symptoms are being cared for in the home.

Kingsley Healthcare CEO Daya Thayan said: "Our thoughts at this moment are with our residents and staff member who have been affected and their families.

"I would like to praise the magnificent way staff at the home, led by senior Kingsley colleagues, have responded to the situation. Everyone's focus is on safeguarding the welfare of our residents and staff."

None of the residents have been named however, scores of good will messages have been left on various social media pages, wishing Malcy a speedy recovery.

His wife Paula has been putting updates on social media and one explained how Malcy had been intubated after suffering a shortage of breathe and low oxygen levels, symptoms of Covid-19.

Mr Pridmore, who lives in Shotley, was the well-known owner of Malcy's tea and burger bar on the waterfront, with time for everyone.

From the outset of the Coronavirus epidemic, Kingsley Healthcare has put in place strict protocols at all its homes to safeguard the wellbeing of residents.

Spring Lodge has been deep cleaned as a precautionary measure and inspectors will be closely monitoring residents and staff for symptoms.

The staff in the home, many of whom live on the peninsula, are adhering strictly to government guidelines, wearing masks at all times and using full personal protective equipment while engaging with any residents showing symptoms.

The care provider said it understood the concern and anxiety the situation will cause to all relatives, staff and others but wanted to give the assurance that the safety of everyone connected to the home is our utmost priority.

It has a comprehensive contingency plan and strict control measures in place to minimise risk to residents and staff and are doing everything to keep them safe.

Kingsley Health and Spring Lodge managers are working closely with public health officials and regulators to understand more fully how Covid-19 was contracted.

One lady, whose husband is at the home, said: "Please, when we #clapforcarers on Thursday, make extra noise the Spring Lodge staff, who have been amazing."