A RAGLAN nursery is helping to keep the spirit of elderly people up by showing off their artistic skills.

This week, children from Puddle Ducks nursery are helping to comfort elderly care home residents who are affected by ’social distancing’ measures which have been put in place, by painting pictures of rainbows and sending them over by post.

Sarah Richards, manager at Puddle Ducks nursery said: "I think it’s nice, it gives us all a chance to do something for the people in care homes who can’t get out. We’ve drawn some pictures of rainbows and are posting them off.

"We usually like to walk them down to the post box and let them post their pictures themselves, but obviously because of the current situation, we’ll have to do it for them"

Sarah told the Beacon that she picked up the idea online after she saw several others posting pictures of their rainbow paintings.

The Puddle Ducks nursery has also collected two boxes of goods which they’ll be giving to the food bank in Abergavenny.

Depending on how the new Covid-19 measures might change, they’re also hoping to collect Easter Eggs for the food bank.

Painting rainbows to keep spirits up through the pandemic has become something of a viral trend with children up and down the country getting out their paint sets to spread the joy as a positive response to ’social distancing’.

The wider trend has popped up as a result of children no longer being able to attend school. Many children have been painting rainbows to help keep spirits up and putting them up in windows as well as on social media.

Councillor Richard John, cabinet member for children and young people, praised the children’s efforts and high spirits.

He said: "It’s so wonderful to see rainbows being displayed in windows across Monmouthshire. Our talented children have been spending time designing these beautiful pictures to show that the school spirit continues while they are being home schooled. I would like to thank all the families who have taken part.

’’I urge all parents to keep their children at home, safe and well. If you have the opportunity to, why not design a rainbow yourself - lovely, mindful experience for all ages."