A newly created children's home is now ready to take in its first residents in Greenwich after the council took "rapid action" to cater for the rising numbers of vulnerable young people in the fallout from Covid-19.

An "army" of council staff have been redeployed since the Covid-19 pandemic took hold in March, allowing the brand new children's home to be build in just four weeks.

The new children's home, which can't be named for safety reasons, is the second in Greenwich, will act as a 'safe haven' for those in the borough with nowhere else to turn.

"Extraordinary times have created a storm of acute needs for vulnerable children and families across the country," said Jing Li, market manager of IKEA Greenwich.

The local branch of the Swedish giant has generously donated furniture and kitted out the new home.

“Since the beginning of the crisis, we’ve been committed to supporting our local communities and groups made most vulnerable by COVID-19 in the best way that we can," said Li.

"We hope that our donation will make life a little bit more comfortable for these young people in need."

Greenwich Council said they took swift action in March to ensure they met an expected increase in demand for care placements for children and young people.

Confirmation of registration has now been received by Ofsted, who the council said have been incredibly supportive from the outset, and the home is now ready to take its first residents.

Cllr Matthew Morrow, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Keeping vulnerable children and young people safe is a priority for Royal Greenwich and this rapid response in the face of very difficult circumstances is testament to that.

“Having this second children’s home means our young residents will be able to stay closer to home if they come into our care. Thank you to everyone who worked so tirelessly to make this safe haven four our young residents a possibility.”