Households around Deal and Walmer have responded to the government's extended lockdown announcement with bursts of colour.

In addition to coloured-in posters, homes and businesses have added a sprinkling of imagination to their messages of thanks and positivity.

They include knitted creations in The Beach, chalk etchings in Court Road, crepe paper designs along Station Road and even an NHS flag - also in The Beach.

And while some messages like painted pebbles on Walmer Green are small and discreet, others such as Generals Meadow care home's tribute are quite unmissable.

The residential home in St Clare Road has filled its 3 metre by 2.5 metre panelled front window with colour paper to create a large scale rainbow.

It was created by the residential home's registered managers David and Rebecca Johnson and manager Lesley Clements, especially with care staff in mind.

Mr Johnson says it has brought tears to the eyes of staff and has even been admired by a random ambulance crew who reversed back down the road to view it again and take a photograph.

He said: "It was our idea to thank the staff and show our appreciation.

"We put it up one afternoon and we've had lots of feedback on social media, and from staff, some who were crying when the arrived at work to it the following morning.

"It's to bring smiles to people's faces and to keep everyone going."

He has praised his 63 staff members who are looking after 51 residents across two homes - General Meadows and Bradfield Home in Hawksdown Road. The eldest is almost 101 years old.

He said: "We're four to five weeks in now and both our homes are Covid-19 free and that is because of the work of our staff and what they have been doing.

"They have been responsible and followed all procedures in place.

"It's a constant worry. We're fighting an invisible enemy but we must celebrate all the care staff in the area."

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