Gloucester MP Richard Graham has issued a rallying call to county businesses to join in the fight to combat coronavirus.

Speaking to Punchline, Mr Graham made a particular plea to Gloucestershire's manufacturing firms to lend their expertise and plant to the need for specific medical equipment.

Earlier this week, health secretary Matt Hancock made a plea for manufacturing supporting for the making of ventilators, or parts for ventilators.

Other manufacturing needs have also been identified and the Gloucester MP is backing the county's manufacturing firms to be able to come to the rescue.

He said: "The Health Secretary has spelt out that the UK is ready to buy as many additional ventilators as possible to help those infected by Covid-19.

"This is an opportunity for Gloucestershire manufacturers, and I would ask them to please get in contact with the Department for Business, Enterprise and Skills.

Mr Graham also asked other sectors to think how they can do their bit for the common good, citing examples of how some businesses are in need of extra staff to fulfil crucial roles.

He also said that news should be on the way in regards to how individuals who want to do their bit to help the cause can do so.

"Every crisis brings calls for skills used in different ways," Mr Graham said.

"Morrisons has just put out a call for up to 3,500 extra jobs as drivers and deliverers, and I suspect other supermarkets will be do the same.

"So for example, the Showman's Guild members who have HGV licenses and who haven't got Fairs taking place, it is an opportunity.

"By lending your expertise and you can make up lost income, but most vitally help our communities at a crucial time."