EARLIER this month marked two years since the first lockdown was introduced in the UK.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Tynedale's neighbours, businesses, community groups and charities rallied to support the most vulnerable members of the community.

One of the positives that was achieved in 2020 was the real togetherness and community spirit locals displayed.

Volunteer-led groups were quickly established to help those in need, with people offering to cook meals and make deliveries.

Generous gestures were aplenty, and residents stood on their doorsteps on Thursdays to clap all the key workers who worked to keep our communities moving.

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 Hexham Courant launched its Bouquet of the Week feature to celebrate the citizens who went above and beyond to help others during the pandemic.

And Golden Gnomes appeared on doorsteps across Hexham as the mysterious Queen Hexvilda, who wished to remain anonymous, handed out awards to more than 150 businesses, individuals and children who have been ‘Lockdown legends’.

‘Lockdown legends’who received a golden gnome include 5-year-old Jack Perkins (5), from Sele First School who was nominated by owners of Mr Wolf toyshop Lindsey and Austin Birney for “brightening up their day every time he comes into the shop.”

Sharyn Castelow, day service manager at Gateway into the Community, also nominated their members for awards.

See our gallery for examples of the community spirit shown in Tynedale.