AFTER months of not being able to sell his Big Issue magazines, Tavistock regular Neil Stout is back on Brook Street and hoping to make up for lost income by selling hand-made face masks.

The lockdown has been difficult for everyone including Big Issue vendors who depend on magazine sales for an income.

After three challenging months Neil is back in town once more and helping to fight the Covid-19 pandemic by selling locally-made face masks alongside his magazines.

Based on the Olson pattern designed by Unity Point Healthcare, local artist and City College Plymouth lecturer Sue Bamford, 51, was initially making masks to help raise funds for the Navajo Nation which has been severely hit by Covid-19.

When she discovered how lockdown had affected Neil’s income, she shifted production up a gear to help provide him with an additional product.

‘Wearing masks in shops is mandatory so it seemed the perfect opportunity to help Neil catch up on lost income, help provide town visitors with what they need to safely shop throughout town and — most importantly — help keep this dreadful disease at bay in Tavistock,’ said Sue.

Neil was delighted to have the opportunity to sell another product alongside his magazines.

He said: ‘I was blown away by how great the masks are, they’re super quality with little pockets for filters and a fitted nose-piece and they sold out within minutes

‘I’d been missing the friends I meet during my shifts in Tavistock — and it’s a real pleasure to be back among you all.’

People can pick up a mask from Neil in Tavistock from Tuesday to Saturday, and in Yelverton on Mondays.

If anyone wants to help to make masks, or sponsor Sue with some of the fabric costs, contact her via email on [email protected]