BUSINESSES in East Lancashire are doing their best to provide support during the coronavirus pandemic as well as staying afloat.

Phil Boulding over at the The Mall Blackburn’s Secret Santa shop are offering a 10% off all gifts and an exchange on puzzles and games to keep the children occupied.

This is especially handy for those still wishing to grab Mother’s Day gifts, or something for children while they self-isolate.

He said: “We are very conscious of the situation so everyone that enters our shop must use a hand sanitiser here.

“We also have an exchange policy so that parents can bring in old puzzles and things that can be swapped, so they don’t go insane working from home.”

All Creatures Great and Small Boarding Kennels and Cattery in Barnoldswick is still open and offering a customer pick-up and drop-off service.

Owner Simon David Capstick said: “If you are incapacitated and you are concerned about your pets or in the worst case you are hospitalised, then you can have the peace of mind whilst your own health problems are dealt with your pets will be well cared for.

“We will be offering this as a 24hr service during this pandemic within a 10 mile radius.

“For emergencies Call us on 01282 854946, or general enquiries email simon@higherclosefarm.co.uk"

Personal trainer Kirsty Skinner at Fitness4Women confirmed the gym was still open. She said: "We are a small gym within a unit which we keep very open and airy at all times.

"We are keeping the numbers in the gym to less than 10 at any one time and are delivering a lot of our training sessions on our outdoor yard.

"We also have a home workout group which we are currently adding all our members and PT client at no extra charge."

Natalie Owens at the Sugar and Layer Cake Company in Clitheroe are offering free delivery and says that during this time, shopping local is more important.

She said: “Please shop local during this uncertain time.

“My little bakery means the world to me, I would be lost without it.

“We are offering free delivery on our website to ensure our loyal customers can still get their sweet fix.

“Let’s all stick together because nothing is stronger than humanity.”

Family join run businesses The Refreshment Bar and The Mad Hatters Cupcake and Tea Rooms in Blackburn are also operating normal hours.

Claire Ingham said: “Our team is doing a fantastic job and we want you to rest assure that we are doing whatever possible in keeping it a safe environment.

“We are still open for business and looking forward to welcoming those that can still venture out.

Our Mad Hatters establishment has already been greatly hit significantly due to scaffolding around Tonis Ballroom and we thank you for your continued support.”

Many small establishments are now relying on the community and hope to see people still ordering their foods and visiting them if they can.