Photos that made us smile this week despite coronavirus lockdown

We have been told to stay at home and not venture out, even when the weather is nice and warm. And every day, we hear about the rising number cases and deaths related to the Covid-19 virus.

It can seem like scary times, but there are many things to be thankful for.

People across Watford who are stuck at home have been keeping spirits up with bright window displays and heartwarming messages.

Here are some photos sent to us by readers that made us smile this week:

1. This letter by a young Violet Chapman really made us feel warm and fuzzy inside.

The handwritten letter, sent in by mum Casey-Ann Jordan last Saturday, thanks our NHS heroes for their hard work during the pandemic. It is even decorated with a gold medal saying 'well done'.

The letter reads: "I would like to write a short message to thank the NHS and all the staff and doctors for all there hard work. And all there help they are doing to help sick people and by putting there self at risk and there family members too. But there taking that risk to help us stay alive and to be healthy.

"I think they all deserve a big gold medal for what they are doing and when I grow up I want to be a nurse to help save peoples life and to be a hero.

"Well done everyone and all stay safe. Love from Violent Chapman." (sic)

2. Maxine Mcfarlane-Ojuederie shared this 'Get well, Boris' message from her family.

The Prime Minister, 55, who tested positive for Covid-19, was admitted to hospital last Sunday evening. On Monday afternoon, his symptoms worsened and he was moved to intensive care.

Maxine is one of many people across the country who wished the PM a speedy recovery.

Her message reads: "Get well PM Boris Johnson.

"You will make my husband John happy again.

"Prayer and healing for you."

3. Art GCSE student Madison Knight, 15, drew this stunning picture of an NHS worker to thank frontline workers for their work.

Her mum Amy Knight, who sent us the picture, said the picture is particularly important for Madison because her nan (Amy's mother-in-law) is an NHS nurse.

The colourful drawing shows a hospital worker putting on a mask, and a huge rainbow with the message: 'Thank you NHS!'

4. This photo by reader Ann Wane shows St Paul's Church in Chipperfield being lit up in blue in support of NHS frontline workers.

According to Ann, the church is being lit up in the colour of the NHS every evening.

This comes after landmarks across the country turned blue on March 26 as part of the #lightitblue campaign organised by members of the events and entertainment industry to show appreciation for medical staff.

The campaign coincided with the first Clap for Our Carers event that led to hundreds of thousands of people clapping for the NHS outside their doorsteps.

5. This photo of a rainbow on a driveway was sent in to us by a proud grandmother who did not want to be named.

The grandmother said her daughter Brooke and granddaughter Kelly drew the rainbow to thank NHS workers during the pandemic.

The drawing is also inscribed with the message, "A storm doesn't last forever", reminding neighbours and passersby to keep looking forward during this crisis.

6. Alice and Amelia from South Oxhey decorated their family window with a rainbow heart inscribed with the letters 'NHS'.

The sisters redecorated their window after the first display thanking the NHS was featured in the Watford Observer last week.

The photo was shared by mum Michaela Orsmond.

7. Erin Hopkins, 6, created this Easter-themed window display to cheer up her neighbours during the pandemic.

The young artist previously created a beautiful rainbow in the window to spread hope in Watford. Her creative display was featured in the Watford Observer last month.

This photo was shared by mum Emma Skes.