The Leeds-based printing company has created an online platform, Mercht, where artists and designers can upload their own designs for use on clothing, mugs, and prints.

The proceeds from merchandise sales are then donated to charities and local businesses chosen by the designers themselves.

Designs have focused on promoting ‘stay at home’ and social distancing messages, with artists as young as 8 years old getting involved.

James Lyall, managing director at Awesome Merchandise, said: "We set up the Mercht platform to give independent designers an easy-to-use, risk-free way to have their designs created into merchandise, which customers can access directly.

“It’s fantastic to see some of the amazing designs the artists are creating, and to see them using their talents to support some great local businesses and charities that are really in need right now.”

Awesome Merchandise has also supported two other projects to raise funds – and spirits – during lockdown.

The company has partnered with the Brudenell Social Club, a Leeds music venue, to support local artists and businesses with a range of limited-edition t-shirts.

The designs, which all incorporate ‘stay at home’ and social distancing messages, were created by four Leeds-based artists with connections to the venue.

Over 1,000 t-shirts in the ‘Brudenell Social Distancing Club’ range were sold in the first 12 hours.

Lyall said: “It [Brudenell} is an institution, with a huge loyal fanbase who will be gutted to be missing out on events at the venue, so we were really excited to be involved in keeping people’s spirits up and giving them the opportunity to show their support.

“The t-shirts have gone down an absolute storm so far.”

Awesome Merchandise has worked with the Brudenell for ten years, printing and making all their merchandise and running their online merchandise store.

Separately, the company has compiled a free colouring book, The Great Indoors, which features designs from 12 UK artists and seeks to encourage creativity amongst housebound Brits during the pandemic.

With an initial run of 1,000, Awesome Merchandise has now made over 3,000 hard copies and seen almost the same number of digital copies downloaded.

Members of the public can request a free hard copy, download and print a digital copy, or colour in a digital copy online on the company’s website.