PEOPLE across the country who own 3D printers have joined forces to provide sorely needed protective kit for medical staff on the front line against coronavirus.

Members of a grassroots project called 3DCrowd UK have already printed thousands of face shields and distributed them to staff at hospitals, GP practices and care homes.

Owners can sign up online to offer their help.

They are shown how to print the headband section of the face shield, which is then bagged up and sent for assembly.

A clear plastic film is placed on the front and elastic is attached to the back to hold the visor in place.

Medical staff can then request the shields by filling in a form on the website.

More than 110,000 face shields have been requested already.

Since the project launched just over a week ago, more than 1,200 volunteers with 3D printers have signed up to help, and more than £30,000 has been raised.

One of the project’s organisers is Ben Sauer, from Brighton.

He said: “We’re working flat out to try and meet the demand for face shields but we really need more help to ensure that we get the right equipment to doctors and nurses across the country as fast as we possibly can.

“We hear first-hand from those on the front line about how desperately they need this equipment and with the help of volunteers we can really make a difference to people who are treating those worst affected by coronavirus.

“I implore anyone with a 3D printer to join our group and play a part to help protect the medical and health workers who are fighting coronavirus.

“If you don’t have a printer then volunteering to distribute or providing donations mean that we have the logistics to get these face shields to the people who need them.”

The group is appealing for donations and help

It also wants to hear from medical staff who would like to get hold of the kit.

To sign up visit www.3dcrowd.uk.

You can donate to the project at https://www.gofundme.com/f/3dcrowd-emergency-3d-printed-face-shields or email sponsors@3dcrowd.uk.