A NEW Essex distillery has thrown a lifeline to churches across the county by producing affordable hand gel.

East Coast Distillery, in Thorpe-le-Soken, is a new business venture founded by brew enthusiast Benjamin Mann, 44, who acts as the director of the company.

After an initial delay, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the drinks makers’ first alcoholic output, the Essex Dry Gin, was finally unveiled last weekend.

During the lockdown, Mr Mann, alongside Lucy Mann, 49, Bernard Mann, 70, Nicole North, 40, and Simon Burrows, 40, decided to put their knowledge and facilities to good use.

Teaming up with the Spirit of Britain, the East Coast Distillery team have worked to help reverse the shortage of alcohol hand rub and ensure churches safely reopen.

Mr Mann and his hard-working colleagues have now delivered a bulk load of 260 of their Helping Hand alcohol gel to the Diocese of Chelmsford.

The substance, which has been in high demand since the pandemic took hold, will mean parish churches can safely open for private prayer.

Reverend Canon Janet Nicholls has now praised the East Coast Distillery and other rural businesses who have supported their communities.

“Throughout the pandemic many small rural businesses, such as the East Coast Distillery, have provided life-lines for their local communities,” she said.

“I express huge thanks to our farmers who have worked throughout the crisis to ensure that food production has continued on the agricultural land of the diocese.

“In addition, many of our village stores and farm shops have adapted to provide deliveries of great local produce and essential supplies to those self-isolating in rural areas.”

The East Coast Distillery’s hand gel was first put into production in a bid to help key workers and frontline carers, such as those at St Helena Hospice.