Watch South Shields dad serenade his neighbours to boost morale during lockdown
Neighbours have praised a South Shields dad who boosted morale on his street with an impromptu singalong.
Residents on Russell Avenue, South Shields were marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day at home on Friday, May 8 when Trevor Surtees began belting out the tunes from his garden.
The 37-year-old - who used to sing in pubs and clubs in the town - thought he would raise spirits with a rendition of Walking in Memphis, but his efforts drew quite a crowd.
So Trevor - an industrial cleaner by day - ended up serenading the street with six songs, including a bit of Elvis and Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen.
“It wasn’t planned at all,” said the dad-of-two.
“We were just in the garden and we saw the neighbours over the road celebrating VE Day so I thought I would put some music on.
“I was just going to sing one song for a laugh and then the next thing I know people were coming from up the road.
“The response was crazy, all the neighbours were coming out to watch.
“I’m just glad it brought a little bit of cheer.”
Trevor’s neighbours were so impressed they asked him to perform at a street party once lockdown is lifted.
Russell Avenue resident, Glenn Defty said: “Trevor totally cheered and lifted spirits by singing for us all. We have nurses and front line workers in the street including myself. He said he did it for a laugh but it turned out that he is an amazing singer. He made us smile again.”
