More than 20 charities are now benefitting after residents, businesses and keen quizzers in Watford raised £150,000 for the town’s coronavirus relief effort.

Proceeds raised from online donations, an auction and raffle and the weekly Big Bold Community Quiz are currently being distributed to good causes in the area including New Hope, Homestart, Watford Foodbank, Watford Women’s Centre and Peace Hospital Care.

The Covid-19 appeal funding pool created with Watford and Three Rivers Trust is enabling the charities to continue to provide vital services such as food to those in need, shelter for the homeless and support to domestic abuse victims and those with mental health issues.

Electric Umbrealla is using the fund to provide entertainment to their members of supporters of the partnership between adults with learning disabilities and professional musicians.

Mel Boda, from the charity, said: “It’s helped massively, this grant has ensured that our online Electric Umbrella TV all-week programme can continue to provide a vital lifeline of 25 hours a week of online connection for our learning disability community across Watford and beyond.”

Small Acts of Kindness usually distributes packs throughout the year to elderly people who are lonely and cold across Hertfordshire.

However, the charity has been helping many more vulnerable people during the pandemic and founder Lynne Misner said: “It’s really important that as a community, in the widest possible sense, we all take an active part, particularly because so many people face feeling really lonely and isolated during this time. Thanks to the funding, we are able to continue this vital service.”

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor, who has been hosting the Big Bold Community Quiz with Watford FC legend Luther Blissett, said: "I am delighted that we are able to give a helping hand to our wonderful community groups who are doing so much to support people in our town at this difficult time.

“I’m so grateful to all people in our town who have donated to our appeal and quiz. The quiz is great fun, as we put people through their paces, have some friendly rivalry and raise money for such important causes.”

The quiz takes place on the mayor’s Facebook page at 8pm on Sunday.