A company in Kent has been asked to play an integral part in the fight against Covid-19.

Hythe-based engineering business HV Wooding has joined a group including, Ford, Rolls Royce and the Mercedes F1 team in producing crucial ventilators to be used by those who develop pneumonia and other breathing complications.

KMTV reports on the firm's efforts

The 80-strong company joined the VentilatorChallengeUK consortium after being contacted on Friday.

It is part of a national effort to produce thousands of ventilators that was launched following a government appeal.

Kent companies had previously lobbied for commissions to allow them to help, including Integrated Technologies Ltd in Ashford.

The national campaign has seen the Mercedes F1 team and University College London develop a breathing aid that aims to reduce the number of people forced on to intrusive ventilators.

Only three days after being contacted, HV Wooding has already sourced a large number of critical parts and delivered them to manufacturers.

"Together, we can make a difference and save lives..."

Company spokesman Matt Lacey said: "We are in the fortunate position of having expertise in the production of [similar components], and we are pleased to be able to offer assistance.

"We would like to thank our team and supply chain for their phenomenal efforts – working hard despite the current crisis.

"Like our heroes in the NHS, there are many fighting the battle with Covid-19 behind the scenes, and we are proud to see our own staff play their part in this effort.

"Together, we can make a difference and save lives."

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