A church in Bath has been given permission to stay open in order to make emergency equipment for NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Public worship gatherings have been banned under new government measures to help contain the spread of infection. 

However, St Michael's Church Bath - also known as St Michael's Without has been transformed into a temporary factory to supply vital equipment to those working on the frontline. 

In collaboration with the local council and a community initiative called Foldall, the church has committed to produce thousands of face shields.

It comes in response to a government call for help to produce additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare professionals from contracting and spreading COVID-19.

The shields, made by a handful of volunteers take around one minute to make and the church hopes to build up to a daily target of 5,000.

"I'm really pleased our building could be used in this way, and I had no idea it could be used in this way three weeks ago, but the fact it's making a useful contribution is amazing," Rev Roger Driver, rector at St Michael's Without told The Telegraph. 

"The heroes are the NHS staff on the front line, so it's great we can play a little part in helping them," he added.