A GIFTWARE company is selling snazzy and uplifting face masks to help charities hit hard by coronavirus.

The firm Ellie Ellie in Worthing has released a line of masks featuring illustrations and positive messages including “spread kindness”, “we’re in this together”, and “keep smiling”.

It is donating £1 from the sale of each mask to St Barnabas House hospice as well as NHS Charities Together.

Ellie Ellie’s founder Danielle Plowman, who has raised more than £5,000 for the Worthing hospice since 2017, said she “wanted to do something to help” after hearing it had suffered a drop in income amid the pandemic.

She added: “A lot of standard face masks which are on the market can actually look quite scary. And like a lot of people, I found that whenever I wore one out to the supermarket I really struggled to convey warmth and friendliness through my eyes alone.

“We wanted to offer an alternative – something that allows people to protect themselves and others, but also spread positivity.”

Jo Bacon of St Barnabas House said: “We are so thankful for all that Danielle and her team have done, and continue to do to support the hospice.

“Local businesses are coming up with some really innovative ways to fundraise amidst the pandemic and their drive and commitment is helping to ensure that we can continue providing care services in the months ahead.”

The face masks are available to buy from the company’s website and £1 from every mask sold will be divided between St Barnabas House and NHS Charities Together.

Visit www.ellieellie.co.uk/collections/face-masks for more information.