Why Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse have joined Clap for our Carers

Their appearance – and that of a giant 20ft-plus inflatable stick man – during the weekly minute’s applause held by residents in John Street, Boldon Colliery, each Thursday is down to brother and sister Faye and Jack Watson.

The pair have worn fancy dress costumes to encourage neighbours to loudly show their appreciation for carers at 8pm.

Dental nurse Faye, 24, explained: “It is something we have done as a family to try to cheer the street up.

“We are a quiet street generally and never seem to do things as a community so it is nice for people to come together to show their support for the carers.”

Faye and Jack, 19, a lifeguard at Boldon Community Centre, have been supported in their efforts to gee up the applause by parents Neal and Jeanette Watson, who are 54 and 46 respectively and who also work at the community centre.

As for the giant inflatable stick man – who proudly sports a message in support of the NHS – Faye said: “I won him as a prize while playing Bongo’s Bingo in Newcastle.

“My dad has taken the words Bongo’s Bingo off and replaced it with the NHS.

“Word has got round with scores of people coming to have a look while keeping their social distance.”

Faye said more surprise appearances – delivery services permitting – are planned for future Thursdays.

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