An IT teacher self-isolating at home has signed up to become an NHS volunteer.

Shahid Hussain who usually teaches at Blessed Trinity College in Burnley, is one of the 700,000 plus people who have now volunteered for the NHS amid the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Hussain, from Brierfield, is currently self-isolating due to underlying medical conditions, and having an elderly mother to look after.

However, he is continuing to work and is keeping busy setting work for this pupils.

He said: "I know many other teachers and staff have volunteered as well, and I just wanted to do my bit.

"It’s such a crazy time at the moment but it keeps my hopes high that the country is coming together.

"I can’t get out and do deliveries, but I saw the part about ringing vulnerable people and chatting to them to help them and I thought ‘I can do that’."

Mr Hussain has signed up to the scheme via the Good Samaritan NHS website, where people can register to become transport volunteers, community response volunteers or check-in and chat volunteers.

The check-in and chat role provides short-term telephone support to individuals who are at risk of loneliness as a consequence of self-isolation.

Mr Hussain, who already volunteers at the Inspiring Grace food bank in Nelson said: "For Inspiring Grace, I used to go delivering for them and help with logistics and now I am helping from home in other ways.”

Burnley born and bred, the Blessed Trinity teacher has previously taught in Dubai, London and Rochdale before returning to Burnley in January.

He added: “As well as working with my pupils from home, I have been trying to help others and have written a piece on how to Home School 2020, during the lockdown period.

"Like everyone else, I want to help as much as I can."

To volunteer to be a Good Samaritan for the NHS visit goodsamapp.org/nhs