THE singer of the UK's last winning entry in Eurovision has shown her support for a community dance-along which showcased Northumberland's kindness.

Katrina and the Waves are best known for hits Love, Shine a Light, which tasted victory in 1997, and Walking on Sunshine, and now lead singer Katrina Leskanich has labelled Northumberland's entry into the Walking on Sunshine dance challenge as an 'extraordinary version'.

The county's dance challenge was launched by the Northumberland Communities Together initiative during Mental Health Awareness Week, which focused this year on the theme of kindness.

The aim of the challenge was to spread sunshine through this difficult time, and show that even though we are apart, we can all be part of something.

Residents, volunteers and community groups from across the county got involved, copying the moves from the original video or making up their own with a selection of entries being included in the final production.

Coun. Cath Homer, Northumberland County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for the voluntary and community sector, said: “Northumberland residents have made us proud showing their support for volunteers and community groups. It’s been heartwarming seeing everyone come together, have fun and show their Northumbrian Spirit.

“The volunteer community has been working so hard through this pandemic, and this video is a fun way to come together and show thanks to communities across the county.”

Former X-Factor winner and local Joe McElderry also threw his support behind the community dance video and recorded a special message of encouragement for Northumberland residents:

Joe said: “Get your groove on, be creative and show us some of that Northumbrian spirit."

Another famous face, Doctor and the Medic’s frontman, Clive Jackson, launched the dance challenge and recorded a message of support which featured in the video.

Clive said: “You are all stars, and have proven time and time again that the people of Northumberland always achieve amazing things when they work together. So come on Northumberland, let’s get walking on sunshine and lift everyone’s spirits up.”

The team of volunteers working with Northumberland Communities Together have been supporting the county’s 18,200 shielded residents.