Council celebrates success of Facebook competition that's keeping kids creative during Coronavirus

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has been assisting community-run food banks by supplying them with food and other essentials, as well delivering food parcels and medicines to residents considered vulnerable and self-isolating in the borough during the coronavirus pandemic.

The #GYTogether competition invites local children to draw, paint or write a story about a different theme each week. Every Monday the new theme and the winner of the previous week, chosen by His Worship the Mayor, are announced in the group and across social media. The winner receives a chocolate prize and a book voucher for their efforts.

The competition kicked off with flying colours three weeks ago with the theme "What is the first thing you'd like to do once lockdown restrictions are lifted?" and received over 20 amazing entries from children of various ages. Annabelle, age three, was chosen as the winner by the Mayor, for her drawing of herself at the zoo with her family.

Parents are asked to upload photos of their children's submissions to the Facebook group, which are then printed and included in the food parcels. The Facebook group is growing steadily, with new members joining on a daily basis and now has over 500 members.

Cllr Michael Jeal, Mayor of Great Yarmouth, said: "Our #GYTogether competition is a great way to keep the kids occupied whilst also giving those who receive food parcels something to smile about during an uncertain and often lonely time.

"As the recipients of the food parcels are often isolating alone, the drawings and stories are a welcome addition and gives them a way of connecting with the community in a safe and fun way.