Wiltshire Council says schools staying open to look after the children of NHS workers and others are running low on soap and cleaning products.

The council has called on businesses to donate any spare stock to their local schools.

Posting the appeal to Twitter, the local authority asked: “A plea to businesses on behalf of our amazing schools staying open for critical workers & the most vulnerable. Many are low on hand liquid soap & cleaning products. If you have spare please contact your local school - they will appreciate it! #WiltshireTogether”

The appeal followed a similar plea by Wiltshire Police last week asking for unwanted stocks of anti-bacterial hand gel or hand sanitiser.

The force said it received dozens of messages of support. Sgt Donna West, who was co-ordinating the distribution of supplies, said: “The response has been amazing and it’s so heart-warming to see so many people coming forward to offer their support in what is an unprecedented time for us all.

“What’s been so touching is that all sorts of people – whether an individual, local company or shop – wanted to help us.”