A UNIVERSITY student from Shanklin has created face shields to protect people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to the demand, he is now appealing for those with 3D printers to help produce them, and has sent the products out across the Island to help individuals, businesses and organisations.

Stephen Lee, 22, is a student at Bournemouth University, studying product design.

He said: "Due to me being in the high-risk category as I have had two kidney transplants, I have come back home to be with my family.

"While being at home, I saw on the news how the NHS and other key workers are struggling to acquire the correct PPE.

"While looking at ways of how I could help from the safety of my home, I saw a way of making face shields using a 3D printer and acetate sheets.

"I first started making the face shields myself with the help from my family.

"When we first posted on Facebook showing people what we had created, we did not expect the response that we have received from the community.

"It is genuinely shocking and upsetting with the messages of people asking for the shields, explaining that they are either not getting any protection or that they will not have a supply for much longer.

"With the amount of people asking for the shields, we had to put a call out to fellow people with 3D printers who were willing to help.

"Currently we have more than ten people who have offered their time and material to support this cause.

"Even people who do not have the ability to be able to help print the shields, have offered to donate the acetate or deliver the masks."

A GoFundMe appeal has generated more than £580 to help towards costs.

Stephen said: "Any more donations will be much appreciated and we will forever be grateful.

"We have produced 330 face shields and have donated them to a range of people and places, from care homes to funeral directors and even GPs who should not be worrying about how they are going to protect themselves or their patients."

To help, email Stephen on iowfaceshields@gmail.com