'A credit to South Shields' - community's thanks to X Factor star Joe McElderry after performance during Clap for Carers

Joe, who shot to fame after winning 2009’s series of the X Factor, belted out his classic single The Climb outside South Tyneside Hospital on Thursday, April 23.

Each Thursday at 8pm, families across the UK are putting their hands together and banging pots and pans in honour of the key workers keeping the nation going during the coronavirus pandemic.

And Joe’s performance has been praised by people across South Tyneside for lifting the spirits of those facing difficulty during the outbreak.

Here is what you said on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Heidi Johnson: “If Joe can do what he can to lift spirits for a few minutes then well done him Such a lovely guy.”

Susan Robinson: “Took his time out to entertain our town, well done Joe was fantastic. Hands up to you.”

Deborah Kennedy: “Thanks Joe keeping spirits high much appreciated, love you and the North East, stay home and keep safe.”

Marion Scott Butler: “Well done Joe giving much-needed support for the fantastic staff at South Tyneside Hospital. You are a credit to South Shields.”

Linda Chambers: “Said it before and I will say it again, this fantastic young man is so underrated, well done Joe and thank you all NHS and key workers.”

Sandra Wilson: “Well done Joe you are our pride and joy of South Shields.”

Susan Parker: “Well done Joe, standing together.”

Helen Goodrum Page: “Fantastic gesture.”

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