The Hexham Courant launched a community appeal last month with the aim of celebrating special citizens across the Tyne Valley.

And this week, we report on Jane Johnson, an Active Northumberland swim coach, who has been lending a helping hand to the elderly and vulnerable amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Signing up as a community volunteer, through the Prudhoe Town Council scheme, Jane has been collecting shopping and prescriptions for those self-isolating and shielding.

And always going the extra mile, the member of the Town Twinning Association has united the community of West Wylam, in Prudhoe, as the country enters its seventh week of lockdown.

As well as participating in national initiatives, such as #ClapForOurCarers, supporting the efforts of frontline workers in the fight against coronavirus, and #DanceOnYourDoorstep, Jane has organised a number of activities to keep spirits high.

The volunteer at Dolphin Swim Club said: “On Tuesday’s, we do a chat and nat for about half an hour to catch up and then we have Dress up Friday’s, although I am running out of costumes now after seven weeks.”

Dress Up Friday has seen Jane don a sumo wrestler costume, as well as a 60s-inspired hippie costume and an Easter bonnet.

“On Saturday afternoon, we either play bingo or have a quiz with all the residents coming out together on the green, but keeping two metres apart. I have a microphone and karaoke so they can all hear.” said Jane.

And in honour of the 75th anniversary of VE day and owing to the cancellation of other plans, Jane arranged a street party for Stanley Crescent residents, with games, music and a picnic planned.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring Manors, an assisted living facility, organised for a piper to play wartime classics to locals.

“I’m just trying to do what I can. The community have come together”, said Jane.

Jane and the fellow residents of West Wylam have reminded us all of the community spirit in Tynedale.

Only last week, Nisa Local shop owner Miv Chahal raised more than £2,500 for NHS charities Together having ran 26 miles – the distance of a marathon – around the West Wylam shopping precinct.

The generosity of locals saw Miv smash his target and many residents took to the streets in support, including Jane.

Staff at Nisa Local have been praised for their efforts in maintaining a food supply chain and their generous offers of delivery to the elderly and vulnerable.

Meanwhile, volunteers at the Miners Lamp Cafe and Community Hub have been working hard, launching a hot meal delivery service.