Thanks to the small shops of Hastings

Small shops have been hit especially hard by the Coronavirus

Please can I thank everyone working in the small shops where it is difficult to put up barriers.

They have no real protection but are supplying us with vital goods and services such as food, cleaning things and newspapers.

They are usually not included in the messages going out on radio and television although they are vital to those who cannot get out or who dare not risk catching buses to get shopping.

I would especially like to thank my local shops in Plynlimmon Road and Whitefriars Road where I have been shopping more than usual.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton: In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.