As coronavirus grips the county, traders are having adapt to the challenge of keeping the public fed.

Dozens of different food outlets have closed and in some cases, supermarkets are limiting the number of people able to enter the premises.

The Market Hall in Carlisle has been used by generations but it has now had to close its gates, but it still has a few businesses open striving to help the community they have served for years.

Centre manager at the Market Hall Helen Wylie said: “We have had to close our communal eating areas and some of the cafes with seating have converted to takeaways, some have simply closed.

“Times are hard for everyone at the moment but especially so for small businesses who do not know when the promised help will come.

“Benson’s Fruit and Veg are delivering throughout the city and are keeping customers supplied with fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Businesses like Pets ’n’ Plants can also deliver pet food.

“The sense of community in the market has always been an important part of its popularity and the communal eating areas were well used, especially on Saturdays, when families were able to come in and eat their choice of food, from around the market, together.

“The market has served the people of Carlisle since 1889 and we hope to continue for many years to come with their continued support.”

The pet stall is still open and offering deliveries the same as Benson’s Fruit and Veg, however the market is now closed to the public.

Fresh supplies are being delivered daily and the teams are working flat out to keep people supplied with fresh produce and supplies for their pets.

For more information call: Bensons on 01228 548767 or Hayley from Pets ’n’ Plants on 07706 755 714.