Tributes paid to the Pontefract and Castleford food banks, clubs and groups that have helped people through the Covid crisis

Ms Cooper backed the Express' Give a Little Kindness campaign, which will shine a light of the people who had made a difference in people's lives throughout the pandemic.

She said: “Over recent months, when people in our towns have been under so much stress and pressure, I have been overwhelmed by the number of stories of immense kindness and solidarity I have seen.

“Our local foodbanks and community hubs and the many volunteers who keep them going have all rallied to ensure those facing the toughest times are able to get food for their families. Places like Kellingley Club really stepped up when Covid first struck to ensure there was a Community Hub in Knottingley and Paul and others from the club have now extended the support they provide the town to include litter picking, dog walking and staying in touch with people living alone.

"We’ve even managed to get a community library set up! And individuals have shown just what is possible.

"At the start of lockdown Josie Farrar in Normanton collected and delivered toiletries to Pinderfields hospital. Saney Ncube and Kath Scott started out putting together and delivering a few creative packs for kids in Airedale who were stuck at home and off school.

"By the end of the summer they’d delivered over 10,000 of them across Castleford. And Tracy Cook in Normanton spotted an opportunity to build on the work of the amazing Well Project to set up a school uniform exchange so parents could get hold of uniforms for their kids, which now has a semi-permanent home in the market.

“When things have felt incredibly difficult and when so many people have tragically died before their time, it has been so heartening to see communities like ours showing their best and true colours, looking after and out for each other. It’s so much easier to get through difficult times when we come together.”