CUDDLES with loved ones are high on the list for many when it comes to what people are missing most during lockdown.

But a North Swindon mum found a way around the problem, devising a safe way she could hug both of her daughters while still following government advice.

Diane Cook, 60, created a plastic curtain featuring disposable gloves so she can cuddle her children, Katie Thomas and Sarah Jones.

Diane said: “Even though they are in their 30s, they are still my babies and I wanted to give them a hug.

“So, I had to think of a DIY project so that we could still have a hug.

“It really made a difference and was a highlight through these tough times.”

Diane cut two holes in a piece of plastic for the arms and used duct tape to attach plastic sleeves. As a finishing touch, she added ‘hug me’ signs at the top of the curtain.

It was then installed in Katie’s garden in Wanborough.

Katie, 32, said: “It felt really nice. We are a very tactile family and we really missed being able to hug each other.

“It felt amazing to be able to kind of have that contact with your family.

“Have her sit in the garden and just being able to talk to her was great but it wasn’t enough, so we just wanted to do something to kind of have that extra closeness.”

Katie had not been able to see her mum and her stepfather David Cook since February, a few weeks before the country went into lockdown.

She added: “My mum has always been able to visit us and usually we would see her at least once or twice a month.

“Me and my sister both have a really good relationship with our mum, and we see her very often usually.

“It’s difficult when you can’t see your loved ones.”

Katie had also the opportunity to see her 29-year-old sister Sarah, who is an international hockey player.

“It was so nice to have her as well because she’s always so busy with hockey," said Katie.

“It was nice for her to experience that."

She added: “So many people find it so difficult not to be able to hug their parents or grandparents.

“ I hope other people would do something similar to sort of get through.”

Diane and Katie are planning to meet again soon.

Katie said: “She’s going to come back up and help me with a little bit of gardening because she’s a really keen gardener. And the curtain might go back up again.”

The family might not need their curtain should Boris Johnson relax lockdown measures this afternoon. As well as allowing more family members to become part of bubbles, the prime minister is rumoured to be announcing new guidance for pubs, restaurants, hotels and hairdressers.