Award for Youngster who Lifted Spirits During Lockdown

A nine-year-old South Tyneside boy has won an award for raising the spirits of his neighbours during lockdown.

Oliver Nicholson, who lives in Hebburn was named the winner of this year's #LoveSouthTyneside Award which he received from the Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Norman Dick, and was screened online at a virtual ceremony.

When the country first went into lockdown Oliver noticed that his 81-year-old grandad became quite depressed as he could no longer go out and meet people. That prompted Oliver to think that other older people living in bungalows nearby would be feeling the same way so he decided to use his pocket money to make little treats for them.

On key dates, such as Easter, VE Day, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas, Oliver posted little notes with small treats such as sweets or chocolates through the doors of his neighbours.

The Mayor said: "Oliver is an absolute credit to his community. His small acts of kindness really lifted the spirits of those who were among the hardest hit by the lockdown.

"He absolutely deserves this award and the Mayoress and I would like to thank him on behalf of everyone in the Borough for his thoughtfulness. Oliver embodies the spirit of the #LoveSouthTyneside Award scheme which is all about recognising the efforts of ordinary people who go the extra mile to make South Tyneside an outstanding place in which to live."

Sadly Oliver lost his grandad to bowel cancer last year but he takes comfort from knowing that he made life for him and his neighbours easier throughout the lockdown.

Oliver said: "Making those people smile gave me a special feeling inside. It lifted my spirits knowing that I had made someone happy through my actions and potentially made lockdown better for them."

A video with Oliver and his mum as well as some of the people who benefitted from his kindness can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1sIpTAm3HU

Brothers Nic and Taz Ali, who run the Scotch Estate Premier Top Shop in Jarrow were awarded second place for their work in delivering food parcels to vulnerable people while Joe Mills and his daughter Kirsty received third place for their dedication to the armed forces community during the pandemic through NAAFI Break.