A GIN distillery in York has has manufactured and supplied almost 60 frontline organisations with free hand sanitiser.

The Cooper King distillery was the first distillery in Yorkshire to announce production of hand sanitiser and, during the first five weeks of lockdown.

Founders of the business, Abbie Neilson, a former scientist and Chris Jaume, a chartered architect, researched, developed and produced the first batch within five days.

Abbie said: “Following enquiries from frontline workers and members of the public, we decided to adapt our business model swiftly.

“We’re not just focussed on our environmental responsibilities but our social responsibilities too.”

A few of the organisations who have benefitted include St Leonard’s Hospice, Leeds ICU Teaching Hospitals, Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team, Royal Mail Tadcaster, UK Maritime Pilots, North Yorkshire Police and Hampers 4 Nurses.

Feedback to the distillery has been has been “heart-warming.”