Children in a west Cumbrian village held their very own convoy to thank key workers, as well as celebrate the birthday of a much-loved resident.

Paula Radcliffe is the mind behind the Bigrigg event, which was organised in less than two days to lift spirits.

Children had been missing the truck convoy organised by local businesses including Forth and Mossop Construction, and Paula came up with the idea of having the children hold their own.

And as it was resident George Newberry’s 99th birthday, the village took advantage to make his day special.

Paula said: “Children absolutely loved the convoy with the big trucks, but it stopped, so I thought it would be lovely for them to have their own and be able to participate in something like that.

“We did it on Saturday, which coincided with George’s birthday.

“Everyone came out and cheered and clapped for the children.

“I’d asked Clemmy from Mossops to come and start it but he did a lot more than that.

“We had a sign made out of a shower curtain on one of the trucks for George - we couldn’t get hold of a white sheet.”

Children paraded around the village and were joined by George in his mobility scooter, with the big trucks also joining in.

“It was brilliant, it exceeded all expectations, this lockdown has proved what a fantastic community we live in.

“Everybody helped each other, many on an informal basis, it makes you proud to live where we do.”

Paula joked that it was a miracle that she kept the involvement of the big trucks with Clemmy and Daniel Shutt a secret.

“It’s hard to keep a secret in West Cumbria, only four people knew about it and we all managed to keep it quiet for 24 hours - it was a miracle.

“In 10 years’ time, when these children will be older, they may not remember much of this time, but they will remember being part of the convoy.”