AS we return to a lockdown of sorts, we are reminded that it's the little things that make it that bit easier to keep going.

Whether it's a Facetime with the family or a chat with the neighbours over the fence, we all have our own thing that brightens our day.

And two Prudhoe women have helped many through these unprecedented times with their cheerful ways.

The Hexham Courant launched a new feature in April to recognise the people who had gone above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic, making life better for the people in their communities.

This week, the bearer of the crown is Margaret 'Margie' Miller - known to many as the poet of Prudhoe - and her neighbour, Jane Johnson.

Margie nominated Jane as a lockdown hero, thanks to her constant efforts to feed and entertain neighbours throughout quarantine.

But the pair were nominated together, by Coun Gordon Stewart of Northumberland County Council, for the their work during the pandemic.

He also awarded them with community champion awards for their efforts.

Coun. Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South, said: "I was delighted to have awarded Margie and Jane community champion awards for the fantastic work they have done in the Prudhoe Community during the pandemic.

"They are always happy and cheerful, and they have helped so many people to get through these unprecedented times.

"It's fantastic to see people coming together and supporting each other any way they can.

"They deserve all the recognition they get for everything that they do, and I'm sure everyone will agree that they are yet another reason to be proud of Prudhoe."

Margie spoke of the joy writing her poetry brings to her and others.

She said: "I started writing poetry about a year ago out of boredom but it’s now become something I really enjoy doing.

"Other people seem to like it too and one of my poems was published in the newspaper.

"I write about friends, family, neighbours and people I meet who are kind.

"It’s become a bit of a thing. I’ve written about the postman, the bin man and my local councillor.

"The lady in the fish shop even put her poem in a frame in the restaurant. She took a photo and put it on Facebook and I got lots of people phoning me to say they’d seen it – it was really nice.

"I’m always jotting down the things that pop into my head and have scraps of paper lying everywhere!

"Anyone can do it and I’d encourage people to give it a go because it’s a lovely way to capture the feelings you have.

"You don’t know what you can do until you try.”