A WAY to cheer up people during lockdown and support the NHS has been adopted by all divisions of Wiltshire Police

Sgt Stefan Telford from Swindon came up with the idea of holding a children’s rainbow competition with winners getting a visit by police in squad cars on a Thursday evening as part of the weekly clap for carers.

Chief constable Kier Pritchard said: “This is a really great initiative – each week we have been focusing on different policing areas around the county and engaging with our communities to get them to share with us some of their displays of gratitude for the NHS staff, carers and keyworkers.

“Out of all of the entries we received I pick one to receive a visit to their street from the local policing team to join them in the weekly clap for carers.

“We have seen wonderful chalk drawings, rainbow paintings and some really fantastic family efforts.

“From the tiniest of paintings to full house coverage displays, it’s been really brilliant to see so many people getting creative to show their support during these difficult times and we wanted to take the opportunity to join some of our residents within Swindon and Wiltshire in saying a huge thank you to the NHS, carers and all the key workers for their hard work during the past nine weeks and beyond.”

Among the winners was Rebecca from King Alfreds Street, Chippenham, Helen from Bryans Close, Calne and Holly from Upavon. In Corsham two children from neighbouring houses made a joint entry.