WEST FIFERS have been going above and beyond to help their communities through these unprecedented times.

The coronavirus epidemic has caused understandable fear and alarm but locals are doing their best to aid those struggling.

Local shops, businesses and other services have been doing all they can to support those most vulnerable and others in need.

The Glen Tavern have started an online fundraiser to help them provide hot meals for the elderly and homeless.

They have contributed £500 to this themselves and are in the process of preparing food packs to be sent out to those that need it the most for free.

The owners said: "We have set up a GoFundMe page to help with some of the expenses we are going to incur delivering food to the elderly, homeless and some families that are struggling at this time.

"We are calling on all local businesses and anyone that can afford to help us. Please dig deep.

"This is our time to help! Any donations would be greatly received at this hard time.

"To get the ball rolling, we will be donating £500.

"So, if you know someone who is in need, then please call us and we will do our very best to get a food package to them."

The Dunfermline pub, on Pittencrieff Street, has also launched a home delivery service with hot and cold meals available.

To order from the takeaway menu or to enquire about food packs for the elderly, call: 01383 724009.

High Valleyfield taxi service Village Cabz are offering free travel for NHS staff, home carers, key workers, children of key workers (to and from school) and the disabled, elderly and vulnerable.

Proof of entitlement is required – phone 01383 882882 to book a taxi.

Dalgety Bay pub and restaurant Louie Brown's are providing free homemade soup, stovies, mince and tatties for the "elderly and vulnerable in our community".

They are working with Raith Fruit, Watson's family butcher, Graham's Dairy and Bidfood to offer collections from their Regents Way premises.

Collections are now available every day between 12-5pm.

If you know anyone who is self-isolating, vulnerable or over the age of 70, phone: 07711987888 or 07935664846 or contact their Facebook page. It is a free service which is set to be monitored on a week-to-week basis.

Staff at Poundland's Kingsgate Shopping Centre store in Dunfermline donated a large trolley filled with items such as toilet rolls and cereals to Dunfermline Foodbank.

Sheds Hairdressing started a 'Wire In' initiative outside their Guildhall Street home in Dunfermline last week.

Staff placed break, milk, toilet rolls and other essential items outside and at the Market Cross on High Street for the public to use.

New Row Barbers in Dunfermline were offering discounted haircuts to NHS staff and emergency service workers as "a thanks for your tireless efforts during these uncertain times" up until they made the difficult decision to close.

Popular Kincardine chippy Ilario's are doing their bit for the community by announcing that they will make fresh bread on a daily basis.

On their Facebook page, they said: "Due to the high demand of our fresh bread, we have decided to make it every day to help the village through these hard times.

"We have joined forces with our good friends at Nicky's Convenience Store where the bread will be stocked, fresh, daily."

Details of how to place orders are on Ilario's Facebook page and by calling: 01259 730455.

Casa Mia restaurant in Dunfermline is looking to help anyone in need during these difficult times.

The owners are keen to hear from any care homes in the local area that may want free food delivered to them.

To contact Casa Mia, phone: 07598 936076

Mr Ali’s in Rumblingwell, Dunfermline, is offering a home delivery service for essential food and other items – call the shop on 01383 733057 to arrange a delivery time and order – bank transfer only.

Crossford Community Council is producing leaflets to go out to all residents in the village.

They are advising locals on how they can assist in the community during the outbreak or how to register for assistance if they're isolated.