The operator of the National Lottery has donated £100,000 to charities fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisations in Watford and Three Rivers will benefit from the windfall from Camelot, which has its HQ in Tolpits Lane.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor launched a Covid-19 urgent appeal for Watford and Three River Trust’s (W3RT) Community Fund - and following discussions between Mr Taylor, Watford MP Dean Russell, and South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohindra, Camelot has become the first major donor to the fund.

Donations will help provide emergency food and medical supplies to isolated people, accommodation and support for rough sleepers, a lifeline to victims of domestic abuse and care for households suffering bereavement.

Camelot will also be promoting W3RT project Neighbours Together to their employees, encouraging staff to use their paid volunteering days to take part in the telephone befriending service during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Camelot chief executive Nigel Railton said: "Camelot has been proud to call Watford its home for over 25 years. We wanted to help in some way and, when Dean Russell MP, Gagan Mohindra MP and the Mayor told us about the amazing and selfless work of charities and voluntary groups in our town, we immediately knew that we wanted to support W3RT’s appeal."

Bob Jones, of Watford and Three River Trust, said:: "These are extraordinary times. But this is also an extraordinary community with some extraordinary businesses. Our grateful thanks to Camelot and all other donors."

Mr Taylor said: "This is an incredible donation from Camelot which will kickstart our appeal and will do so much to support those on the front line in our town during this crisis.

"This is an amazing example of our local business community stepping up to support our town in its time of need. I have been bowled over by the generosity of people in Watford."

Mr Russell added: "I am delighted that Camelot has recognised the excellent work of W3RT. I have seen the vital work that they are doing first hand and this generous donation will help them do even more to support our community.

"When I made the call to Camelot, I was sure they would be keen to support Bob and his team at W3RT."

To donate to the appeal, please visit www.mywellbeing.community/covid19-appeal