WE all know how important exercise is - and it has only become more vital during the Coronavirus pandemic.

As well as taking care of our physical health, it also helps people stay well mentally, at a time when there’s even more than usual to worry about.

It’s so important, in fact, that fitness coach Joe Wicks was recently made an MBE for efforts with his “PE with Joe” sessions during lockdown.

However, one Tynedale woman has also been going to great lengths to help ensure the people of the district stay fit and well, thanks to her own exercise classes and online sessions.

Since April, the Hexham Courant has honoured good citizens of the Tyne Valley with its weekly Bouquet of the Week feature, for those who have gone above and beyond to help others and their communities during the pandemic.

The recipient of the prize this week is Diane Shane-Stone, who has been running classes for more than 30 years.

Personal trainer Diane, who lives in Ovingham, has owned and ran SS Fitness for years - but , like so many others, the coronavirus pandemic has presented a number of new challenges for her and the business.

She explained what life has been like for her during the pandemic.

Diane said: “We’ve kept the classes going online all throughout lockdown. It’s been hard work.

“We’ve got loads of restrictions now, we can’t have as many people in the classes.

“We’ve kept it going as much as we can. We’ve had less in but we’ve spread everything out and we’ve continued to do the online classes for those who can’t come to us.

“I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and everyone who comes to our classes is nice, we’re like a big family.

“It makes it all worthwhile, you want to do things to help people when they’re nice people.

“My son, Charlie, has also been great. We’ve always worked about seven days a week - we just have to keep it going.

“People find it good for their mental health. We’ve just put something about mental health and exercise in the village newsletter - just little things you can do just to help.

“There’s a lot to think about and a lot to worry about.”

Diane is also well-known in the Tyne Valley for her annual charity calendar, which has been produced three times and has raised tens of thousands of pounds.

The calendar raises money for brain tumour research, a charity close to her heart.

Her father Michael Shane, died in April, 2016 after suffering an aggressive Glioblastoma Multiforme tumour.

The Coronavirus pandemic has halted the production of this year’s calendar, but Diane remains positive that it will be ready in time.