KIND-hearted B&B owners are stepping in to help give NHS workers a free bed for the night as they continue the fight against coronavirus.

Weymouth guest houses have offered accommodation to those who need it, as has Kingston Maurward College.

It could be that workers need to isolate themselves from family members to reduce any potential risk, or that agencies send healthcare workers to the area who do not live here.

The Beach House on Brunswick Terrace, Weymouth, put out a message to say it was able to help NHS who needed it by offering a ‘warm bed, hot shower and a cup of tea.’ They’ve already helped an agency nurse who was sent to Dorset to work.

The owners say ‘nobody ever expected this - but we’re all in this together’ and that they’re happy to help support health workers.

The owners of Channel View Guest House, further along the seafront, have done the same. An agency nurse has already stayed at the B&B, and the owners say she faced sleeping in her car had they not been offering free beds.

The guest house owner said she ‘couldn’t believe it,’ and that ‘it’s amazing to be able to help give someone a full night’s sleep.’ “Everyone is doing their little bit,” said the owner. “Hearing about everyone’s good deeds at a time like this is what keeps you going and if we can do our little bit too, then why wouldn’t we.”

Kingston Maurward College and campus are now closed to all but a few staff who are directly involved in caring for animals and other essential functions Key staff from the NHS in Dorchester will soon be using some of the residential accommodation on site to ensure they can continue their vital work and keep their families safe.

Kingston Maurward principal Luke Rake likened the current situation to the Second World War, when the college was used as a base to support the troops on D-Day.

Mr Rake said: “Today, we may face a different battle, but the needs of our community for safety and support are the same.

“We are determined to provide whatever assistance our frontline troops need and are willing, able and proud to help the NHS.”

Nick Johnson, acting chief executive at Dorset County Hospital, said: “We have been absolutely blown away by the amount of support we have received from the community. We really appreciate all they are doing to support our wonderful staff who are working on the frontline to keep everyone safe. We cannot thank everyone enough.”

“We encourage people to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. The biggest difference people can make to our NHS is to follow the social distancing guidelines.”