A teenager is spending lockdown sewing mask supports for NHS staff at Watford General Hospital.

Sydney Martin, 17, from North Watford, began to make support bands for face masks last month for staff working in the Starfish Ward.

She was inspired to help others by her dad, John, who is an MOT tester for ambulances, who makes sure the vehicles are safe to drive by key workers.

So far, she has made more than a hundred mask supports. They are used to help make equipment worn by healthcare workers more comfortable and to stop them from getting marks and sores on their faces.

Watford Observer:

Watford Observer:

Some face mask supports. Credit: Alison Roper

According to her aunt, Alison Roper, her masks attracted attention after she appealed for buttons online so she could continue making them.

People in the community began to ask her to make them their own mask supports and she has since donated some for staff in care homes.

Alison Roper said: "She wanted to give back and she is giving them away.

"She is stopping people from getting sore ears and faces, I couldn't be more proud of her.

"She is just a girl in her bedroom with a sewing machine trying to put smile on people's faces."