A county coucillor has issued a plea for parents to resist the temptation to give each other a 'hug for Christmas'.

Usually schools are at the heart of Christmas celebrations for children and their parents – whether its squeezing into a church for carols or watching a school Nativity or just handing out cards.

But – with restrictions in place to halt the spread of Covid – the run-up to Christmas has been very different for schools across the county.

Executive member for education, libraries and localism Terry Douris has asked parents to remain socially distanced.

Speaking at the end of a meeting of the education, libraries and localism cabinet panel, councillor Douris said: "In wishing everybody a restful and happy Christmas, can I just put out a plea to everybody who may be watching.

"As we approach Christmas there will be clearly a wish to communicate and make contact with our friends and our loved ones and families.

"But just please please please remember 'hands, face and space'. Don't whatever we do let that which we have achved so far go to waste.

"We need to beat this pandemic – we need to beat Covid, and that is it."

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Focussing on schools and arents in particular, he said: "I know how difficult it is going to be – because they will want to give each other a hug for Christmas – but just maintain your social distancing.

"If we don't we will not beat this dreadful virus."