THOUSANDS of pounds has been raised to provide vital food supplies to frontline staff amid panic-buying.

A fundraiser has been set up to raise money to buy boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables for staff at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH).

The Just Giving page has been created by Allan Pickett who wants to raise £10,000.

READ ALSO: Which shops are still allowed to open during lockdown?

So far, at the time of writing, the fundraising page has raised £8,201 since it was set up three days ago.

Mr Pickett explained on the page: “It is time for all of us to step up and help our hard-working NHS staff.

"Supermarkets shelves are being cleared by hoarders, with no thought given to NHS staff, who are working incredibly long hours, to look after patients, at no small risk to themselves.

"Then they cannot find the fruit and vegetables they need to feed themselves and their families."

READ ALSO: UK coronavirus home testing kits: All you need to know - plus when they’ll be available.

He continued: "I want to raise at least £10,000 to supply 400 boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables, including milk and eggs when available, to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, for the NHS workers.

"I am working with the Royal Berks Charity and Dudmans of Berkshire who will supply and deliver the boxes to the hospital."

He explained Dudmans of Berkshire, established in 1871, usually deliver fresh fruit and vegetables to restaurants, schools, catering firms and hotels in Reading and the surrounding area.

Now, as most of these have had to close, they are currently delivering fresh fruit and vegetable boxes to the elderly, vulnerable and self-isolating in the community.

Mr Pickett explained he has been a regular visitor to the RBH for over 30 years.

"I have always found the Nurses and Doctors to be extremely kind, friendly and helpful, despite what they have to put up with from some people.

"It would be good to be able to do something for them for a change", he said.

READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Track the latest case numbers in Berkshire.

He added: "Each donation of £25.00, means we can supply a free box of fresh fruit and vegetables, including eggs and milk when available, to an NHS worker.

"So please give generously."

The first delivery of 25 boxes was made to RBH today and Mr Pickett explained "daily deliveries will continue, as long as there is money in the fund".

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.