One of the county's longest-standing transport firms has taken to social media to reassure Gloucestershire its vehicles have permission to take to the roads.

As tension simmers around just who can travel and where, and with reports of some flouting the restriction, the boss of family firm Cullimore Group said his business had received some flack.

So much so he has taken to social media to reassure anyone who sees the familiar green trucks of the Cullimore Group on the roads that they are helping to keep the county moving.

"We have taken some unnecessary criticism on social media the last two weeks. This is why some of our trucks are still moving," said Moreton Cullimore, managing director of Whitminster-based Cullimore Group of companies.

"We are moving flour and food provisions only to supply chain and supermarkets. Observing all necessary social distancing and public health advice. Please give our drivers a thumbs up."

Just in case any doubters still exist Mr Cullimore also played his trump card - a letter sent to Richard Burnett, of the Road Haulage Association, and David Wells, of the Freight Transport Association, from Ben Rimmington, co-director of the Road Safety, Standards and Services at the Department for Transport.

"I am writing to confirm that the department of Transport considers it essential that the work of the logistics sector should continue to the greatest extent possible through the Covid-19 crisis," writes Mr Rimmington.

Haulage drivers, manager, warehouse staff and all the other logistics professionals need to go about thier business to keep supply chains moving, and government policy is clear that this applies to all supply chains and not only those for food and medical supplies.

"All travel related to the operation of logistics businesses (including for instance necessary washing of vehicle or supply of spare parts) or necessary travel by logistics workers to places of work such as distribution centres is therefore to be considered 'essential travel' in the context of current restrictions. At all times works should however follow Public Health England guidelines of social distancing.

"We have communicated this to the National Police Chiefs Council to ensure it is shared with al police forces in the context of their important work to enforce the new restrictions on movement. I would be very happy for you to share this letter with your members and for them to use it as evidence of the government positions on this point in the event of any misunderstandings.

"Thank you for everything you and your members are doing to keep supply chains moving in these difficult times."

Read more: Coronavirus Crisis Updates: The latest news from across Gloucestershire