A Gravesend car valet firm has offered a free car wash to all NHS staff at Darent Valley Hospital today.

EDS Car Valet and Detailing Services set up in at the hospital in Dartford this morning, and has enlisted the help of volunteers to clean cars all day.

"This is for ALL NHS staff to use," the company posted on its Facebook page. "Just drive up and we will wash the outside of your car for free. We will be set up in the accommodation car park behind the main hospital. Hope to see you all tomorrow."

The company is also fundraising for the NHS via a JustGiving page, which this afternoon had raised £300 of a £1000 target.

Speaking from the hospital today, EDS owner Eddie Armstrong said he had been helped by volunteers including Paul Barlow from Autosmart, who provided chemicals and washing equipment.

"We started at 8.45am and we're on about 150 cars, and we've done some ambulances as well," he said. "We wanted to give something back.

"It's not just what's happening with Covid-19. I lost two people last year and I lost a friend last week, and all of them were at Darent Valley. The staff do a really good job.

"As a car washing company it's the least we can do."

He said the idea had been well received, adding: "It's putting smiles on people's faces. None of them have got any time to wash their own cars and there's no car washes open."

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford