James McAvoy has made a donation of £275,000 to provide frontline NHS staff with vital equipment in the fight against coronavirus.

The 40-year-old has got behind the 'Masks for NHS Heroes' campaign, which aims to ensure that all medical staff treating the deadly disease are able to protect themselves in the process.

Talking to Good Morning Britain, the Wanted actor explained: "One of the main reasons I wanted to give money, and why I upped the amount of money, was not just to get [Personal Protective Equipment] across there, which is so important, but secondarily I'd say it was more to show a sign of support to the frontline staff.

"I've heard that morale is incredibly low and they're feeling exposed and vulnerable and like they haven't been supported properly.

"I think we've got to protect those incredible doctors and surgeons and porters and the lady that fills the vending machine at the hospital, and we've got to protect all of those people by staying indoors, we've got to protect all of those people by social distancing and by taking it seriously, and I think people are starting to take it more seriously.

"They've got to protect their families, and I just wanted to help start a conversation that says to the NHS, we value you so much."

Almost 800,000 people worldwide have tested positive for coronavirus so far, with over 37,800 losing their lives, including 1,408 in the UK.