WHAT A SWELL BANK HOLIDAY STORY THAT BROUGHT A TON OF SUNSHINE AMID COVID-19 GLOOM

DONATIONS OF DECK CHAIRS, WINDBREAKS, AIR BED, RUBBER DINGHY, BAG OF SHELLS AND FRIENDLY PLAICE FISH AND CHIPS GIVES CARE HOME A SEASIDE SETTING

CORONAVIRUS has put paid to many aspects of our daily lives over the last two months – unless your name happens to be Dominic Cummings of course.

But one thing it hasn't stopped is the willingness to give to those most in need.

That desire to help out – by volunteering your time or through a charitable gift – is alive and well amid the Covid-19 gloom.

And change the location in the lyrics of the 1980 Fiddler's Dram one-hit wonder and you have a story to gladden every heart this bank holiday weekend.

Replace the word 'Bangor' – and you can begin to imagine the people at Elderberry Mews saying: "Didn't we have a lovely time, the day we went to Atherstone-on-Sea."

Unfortunately Nub News is not able to bring you the smiling faces that spirit of generosity produced – only pictures of the gracious gifts.

But rest assured, all the people at the care home with learning disabilities and autism got a burst of much-need sunshine – thanks to kind-hearted townsfolk from your number one media platform's North Warwickshire area.

The Sutton Coldfield home, which provides a step-down service for individuals with a range of complex needs that are moving on from residential care in addition to supporting individuals who are becoming more independent and confident at home and in the community, is landlocked like Atherstone.

But its Grendon registered manager – 44-year-old Lisa Strachan – put out an appeal to throw a beach party and cheer up her people who were unable to visit the seaside in person because of coronavirus restrictions.

The plea on social media forums throughout the West Midlands hoped to provide street furniture for the event –"with anything that should be beside the seaside".

And in all she places she tried – the best response came from Atherstone in bucket-and-spades full.

"I can't get over how generous they were," she said.

From deck chairs to an air bed, a rubber dinghy to windbreaks and even a bag of sea shells – the "day trip to the coast' was topped off with Atherstone's Friendly Plaice boss Danielle Stokes supplying 15 free fish and chip meals.

Meanwhile, with balmy temperatures of 75 Fahrenheit expected this bank holiday Monday, councils with responsibility for beauty spots are warning people to stay away.

Following the easing of some lockdown measures last week, there are no restrictions on how far people can go to get to the countryside, National Parks and beaches in England.

The Essex local authority is running a 'Don't Visit Southend' campaign, people are being advised not to visit Blackpool while the leaders of three local authorities bordering Morecambe Bay have also asked would-be day trippers to think twice before visiting the area.

In Cornwall, council leaders have warned there is no lifeguard cover and a large coastal swell and spring tide will bring hazardous sea conditions over the weekend.