Watch as police sing Happy Birthday to South Shields 90-year-old celebrating milestone during lockdown

Mary, from Marsden Lane, had her 90th birthday celebrations cancelled due to the pandemic, but Northumbria Police officers were keen to make sure her special day did not go unnoticed.

PC Neil Morris and PCSO Gayle Muizelaar paid a special visit to Mary on Tuesday, April 14, to mark her memorable milestone.

PCSO Muizelaar posted letters through the doors of the pensioner's neighbours asking them to pop their heads out on the morning in question to join in with the singing.

And on her big day, as she enjoyed the sunshine from the comfort of her front garden, Mary was then surprised to see officers and her neighbours appear - with the familiar ‘happy birthday’ tune then following.

Meanwhile on Saturday, after learning that little girl Hope was turning seven, officers from the Harton neighbourhood team drove to her family home on Farne Avenue in South Shields in order to help give her a “birthday to remember”.

Beaming from ear to ear, she was serenaded by the whole street and given a birthday cake – and there was also time for her to have pictures with her parents in front of the police car.

Inspector Denise Easdon, of Northumbria Police, said: “These were two lovely examples of our cops working with the local community to ensure those celebrating their birthdays had a day that they will never forget.

“It was only a small gesture, but this type of thing highlights the amazing community spirit that we have here in South Tyneside as the whole community pulls together during these difficult and unprecedented times.

“We would like to thank the communities we serve for their fantastic support and cooperation and I am incredibly proud of the way that this region has responded in such a positive way as we all try to support our NHS, protect the most vulnerable and tackle the spread of the disease.

“I hope Mary and Hope both had fantastic birthdays – and it was an absolute pleasure for my officers to be part of their special days.”

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