A WINDOW cleaning firm has launched a competition to offer free services to community heroes and the elderly.

Albion Window Cleaning is offering 50 free cleans across Brighton, Hove and Portslade as the lockdown eases.

The firm, run by Pete Blakeney and Greg Grundy has appealed to customers on its Facebook page for nominations.

It is looking for NHS frontline workers, key workers, charity volunteers, or even good neighbours who have gone the extra mile during this crisis.

The nominations for free window cleans are also available for the elderly or vulnerable.

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Pete said during the lockdown he has had to wind down his operation, but has been able to continue to see some residential customers.

He said: “The reason why we came up with the idea was because I was asked to clean the windows of an elderly lady on her 98th birthday.

“She has been housebound, but after cleaning her windows she can now at least see the sunshine.

“We want to know of anyone who is deserving so people who are helping others and pulling together.”

Pete has been running Albion Window Cleaning for ten years with pal Greg Grundy, and said they will also be out collecting cash for the Martlets Hospice in Hove on their rounds.

He said his own grandparents were looked after by the charity and he has run three marathons for it in the past.

Martlets, along with other charities, has seen a drop in donations as major events such as the Brighton Marathon have been cancelled.

Pete said it has also been a tough time for his business.

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“It was extremely worrying when we heard the news about the lockdown,” he said. “We had to shut everything down, and the commercial side of our business was very badly hit.

“We lost contracts and clients and we had to get help from the Government.”

But now he hopes that things may begin to open up and get back to normal.

The competition is open until June 8 when the team will choose the people who will get a free clean.

For details search for Albion Window Cleaning Ltd on Facebook.

At The Argus, we are championing the work of traders during the coronavirus pandemic as part of our #BackingSussexBusiness campaign. We are always interested to hear how the community is coming together in this crisis. If you know of a local business battling to do all it can in these tough times and/or offering support to the local community, please get in touch at laurie.churchman@theargus.co.uk and rose.lock@theargus.co.uk.