VOLUNTEERS have transformed a concert hall into a makeshift factory for coronavirus protective kit.

From their base at Worthing Assembly Hall, they are making and distributing 3D-printed plastic visors for frontline healthcare workers in Sussex.

The volunteers are helping to plug the gap in personal protective equipment (PPE) supply – in particular, protective eyewear – alongside a national project called 3DCrowdUK, Adur and Worthing Councils and the group Transition Town Worthing.

Sam Bailey from Transition Town Worthing and 3DCrowdUK said: “As the urgent need for eye protection became clear and we saw how the 3D printing world was rising to the challenge, we jumped at the chance to join the movement and support our local NHS workers.”

Sam had no previous experience with a 3D printer, but said since launching in the Assembly Hall, the volunteers have assembled and distributed more than 800 face shields to hospitals and health care centres in Brighton.

He said: “We still have thousands more orders to fulfil. We don’t see the demand letting up any time soon.”

You can donate to 3DCrowdUK at 3dcrowd.fund or by emailing sponsors@3dcrowd.uk.