ONE of the positives that has been achieved in 2020 is the real togetherness and community spirit locals have shown thanks to new and old friendships and supporting one another.

It has been said that the many communities throughout Tynedale thrive because of their businesses, schools and popular attractions.

The most important aspect of communities, though, is the people. Residents tirelessly carry out important engagement work in their local areas; operating and administering community events and looking out for others.

The Hexham Courant’s Bouquet of the Week feature, which launched in March, continues to celebrates citizens who are going above and beyond to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

During the first wave, generous gestures were aplenty. Residents stood on their doorsteps on Thursdays to clap all the key workers who around the clock keep our communities moving.

But overall, there was greatest appreciation to everyone who had contributed in making a real difference to people's lives each day.

Rainbows painted and placed in windows became an ever-present decoration in streets throughout the country, with creative children bringing smiles to passers-by during the coronavirus outbreak.

The trend had been seen across the world, but became hugely popular in the UK after schools were shut in March.

Hexham’s MP Guy Opperman is full of praise for the Tyne Valley’s fortitude and tenacity.

“People are realising they can make a difference in how they lead their lives and how their communities approach things.

“We have so many community organisations who are the lynchpin of the area and really drive forward the community.

“I often say that the big society was invented in Tynedale way before anyone started talking about it as a concept.”

Guy Opperman’s community champion and small business awards are “one of the greatest things I’ve ever done,” he said. The awards recognise some of the extraordinary achievements of people in communities across the Hexham constituency.

But while it was clear to most that those working particularly in the NHS were amazing at what they did and they deserved endless amount of praise, more importantly, it increased the need for better work and pay conditions.

One thing we can take away from this year is that healthcare workers’ work warrants all the support they can get.