A pub in rural England was filling up with its usual after work crowd when Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered all pubs and restaurants to close to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, prompting locals to flock in and place their last orders.

Within a few days, The Abingdon Arms had transformed into a makeshift shop selling food made on site and a takeaway service, with an army of volunteers delivering food to those in need.

"We have had really heartwarming responses from the community, saying how pleased they are to have such a supportive pub team," said Mike Hobbs, chairman of the community group that owns the pub just outside the southern city of Oxford.