It is said an army marches on its stomach, and keeping the country fed is a huge part of fighting this war against Coronavirus.

While the NHS is in the frontline when it comes to defending individuals against Covid-19, it is the shop-workers that provide the sustenance for the public to stay strong.

Without people like Vicky Sadler and Sonia Foxon on the counter at the Premier Stores in Shotley, Tracy at Orwell Stores and James and Carly at Hollingsworth's in Chelmondiston, the willing volunteers at Stutton Community Shop or the army of staff at the Co-ops at Holbrook and Brantham, the peninsula would be on its knees by now.

It's fair to say all, of the above are reluctant heroes, but never before have they been more appreciated than now.

Whether it is the extra hours they have put in replenishing the shelves, or dealing with those not willing to go along with the government guidelines, or quite simply putting their lives on the line with the daily contact with customers on an hourly basis, shop-workers have gone above and beyond.

Every time they complete a transaction of goods, whether money passes hands or not, they have been putting themselves at risk, and in turn their own family and loved ones, as so insidious is this disease, it can be passed on so easily.

Some bosses, like customers, are more appreciative than others.

At the Premier Stores in Shotley owners Manisha and Trupti Patel have always been a key component of the community, as was shown when they won Business in the Community at the last Suffolk Stars awards.

A huge part of that is the loyalty of their staff, who are always prepared to go that extra mile.

Vicky Sadler and her sidekick Sonia Foxon, have had their challenges during the lock down, keeping customers safe by implementing restrictions, while worrying about taking the disease home with them.

"The new restrictions have been difficult," admitted Vicky. "95% of people are respecting the rules, occasionally you get the odd ones who don't but I guess you get that everywhere. The majority are respectful."

Vicky has worked at the Shotley shop and post office for eight years and has seen all sorts, including break-ins, and atrocious weather conditions.

It is not unusual for her to be out delivering in blizzard conditions when the paths have been too treacherous for those unsteady on their feet, as she did when the Beast from the East hit us.

It has been the same during this crisis when she has taken food shopping to many of the residents around Shotley. after her long shifts.

Her dedication to the job, and her neighbours is deep rooted, as she is a Shotley girl through and through.

"We try our best to help people," said Vicky who is married to painter-decorator Rob and they have three children, "I'm able to do so I want to do it for or community.

"One day I won't be able to do it, hopefully then someone will do it for me. It is about treating people how you would like to be treated.

"It helps because we are in Shotley, and I have been brought up here and lived here all my life, it is built into us.

"That feeling of being part of a community and look after each other."

The story is similar throughout the peninsula and Vicky feels she, and many others who were previously taken for granted, have earned respect, even if she is not totally comfortable with being in the spotlight.

Vicky said: "People do have anew found respect for shop workers, and not just us but delivery drivers, carers hospital staff – suddenly we are people rely on as essential workers.

"Personally, I don't like standing out or people thinking I'm anything special because I'm just Vicky.

"The best part of the job is serving the community, chatting to regulars, just being here."

Both stores in Chelmo have cut back their hours with husband and wife team James and Carly Welham in Chelmondiston, also reducing post office hours.

Volunteers at Stutton's Community Shop are now operating an order and collect service only, with deliveries made to the most vulnerable.

Individuals among the Co-op staff at Holbrook have voiced their concerns on social media at how people have behaved, while also thanking their decent, loyal customers.

They can rest assured though, that they few are appreciated by the many, who owe so much to them and all other essential workers that serve our community.