See how South Shields great-grandad, 81, dresses up as key worker every week to Clap for Carers

George Potts, 81, of South Shields, has become the talk of the street thanks to his efforts at the weekly Clap for Carers event.

Every Thursday at 8pm, the great-grandfather-of-six has been dressing up as a different key worker to join his neighbours as they show their support for those on the front-line of the pandemic.

The Clap for Carers event began as a one-off to support NHS staff on Thursday, March 26 - three days after the UK went into lockdown.

Over the last 10 weeks South Tyneside, along with the rest of the country, has applauded all carers and key workers every Thursday along with – with crowds gathering outside the hospitals to clap.

George, who lives with his wife June, started out small in the early weeks, banging a few pots and pans before bringing his radio out and playing You’ll Never Walk Alone.

A few weeks ago, the former postal worker (for 48 years until he retired in 2001), brought a smile to everyone’s face when came out wearing his old uniform for the occasion - even posting homemade letters through their doors to thank them for getting behind key workers.

Since then, they have seen George dress up as nurse, a builder and in full military uniform – borrowed off his son-in-law who is in the Territorial Army.

On Thursday, May 28 - for what is thought could be the last Clap for Carers event – George sported full fire officer attire.

“It’s just a bit of fun, to bring a bit of joy once a week and raise spirits while showing respect for our frontline workers,” said George.

“After I took the radio out, the neighbours suggested that I dress up and now they are all waiting for me to come out every week – my wife thinks I’m crackers.”

George’s neighbour, Sharon Bell added: “George has lived here all his life and knows everyone in the street, he is a total trooper and has always got a smile on his face. He a true example of a good local neighbour.”

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