A GLIMMER of hope shone in Worcestershire this week as people came together in lots of ways to try and battle the coronavirus outbreak.

Despite a rising death toll in the county and the country as a whole, we've reported on dozens of heartwarming stories with the message of solidarity, positivity and a brighter future.

Among the most welcomed news was that a man aged 101 had returned home after beating coronavirus whilst at a county hospital.

Centenarian Keith spent the last two weeks battling the virus at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust shared a photograph of Keith with staff on Ward 12 at the hospital.

The post said: "Well done to everyone on Ward 12 at the Alexandra Hospital for looking after Keith so well for the past two weeks."

Mr Watson's daughter-in-law Jo Watson told the BBC the reaction had been "a bit mad".

She added: "We didn't know anything about this Facebook page until a member of the family had it pop up and it's gone a bit mad.

"He was in hospital having taken a tumble at his care home and needed surgery and that was a big enough ordeal at 101, but he got through that.

"Having gone in for the operation is one thing and then when we learnt he was tested positive we were thinking the worst... but he's amazing for his age."

We also told how Worcestershire Royal Hospital's chaplain, Reverend David Southall, has set up a helpline for families who cannot visit the hospital and he is passing on messages to patients.

And a Droitwich manufacturer, Graphics 4 Business, has switched its operations to make much-needed protective equipment for those on the frontline of the outbreak - and is asking for funding so it can do more.

Also helping to provide much needed equipment are schools, including Christopher Whitehead Language College, in St John's, RGS Worcester and the King's School, Worcester, and Droitwich Spa High School and The Chase in Malvern.

They have put their DT skills to good use making much needed visors and other equipment for hospital and other workers.

In a further boost, people in Worcester clubbed together to pay for repairs to cars for nurses after they had catalytic converters stolen while they were on shift at the Royal.

Sibymol Antony thanked the organisers from Facebook group 'Plate one up and pass it on' for organising the repairs to her car, describing it as 'just brilliant.'

Meanwhile H J Colston-Inge, a philanthropist and the wife of the Bishop of Worcester, and the city's branch of the Mothers' Union have raised £6,000 for food parcels to be given to NHS staff and are working on adjusting hospital scrubs and masks to help protect those on the frontline.

And a University of Worcester year 3 student nurse, Abbie Turner, volunteered to join the NHS frontline with an extended placement, which she hopes will be at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Last week, people across the county took part in the Thursday 'clap for carers' to show their appreciation of the work being done by NHS staff and other key workers.

Members of the emergency services met at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

West Mercia Police tweeted: "We are all in this together. We are forever grateful for all emergency services and the outstanding work they are doing. We support them so we can all support you."