A family in isolation are battling back against coronavirus by turning their “lonely” housebound grandparents into virtual teachers.
Former teacher, Pamela Kilburn, 74, has been dragged out of retirement to give her grandchildren daily lessons online.
While nanna, Valerie Turner, 76, an expat who is in lockdown in Spain, is giving them long distance dance lessons in tap and ballet.
Even grandad, former journalist John Turner, 79, who is also trapped overseas, is being put to work by taking story-time for the youngsters.
Jane, 47, and Steve Turner, 53, from Colne in Lancashire, came up with the idea after they had to close their restaurant business and started delivering to those isolated.
They also wanted to find a way to keep their children, Annabelle, nine and Beau, seven, occupied and cheer up the grandparents who are all in isolation.
Mum Jane Turner, added: “My mum has been in tears over this, she was bawling her eyes out. It's a really weird feeling for them.
“She can't do any of her normal routine and she's completely and utterly alone.
“So we are aiming to do this very day. It will be good for all of them.
“My daughter Annabelle has been really upset about her grandparents because she's worried about them all. “
School-loving Annabelle, added: “The thing I'm looking forward to is seeing them every day because normally mum and dad are working so hard we don't have time.”
Her dad, Steve, joked: “I'm going to reenact KES as the kids PE lessons.
“We just felt we had to do something positive.
"My mum and dad in Spain are in lockdown and have nobody out there. This helps them and my kids.
“Pamela is totally on her own and we don't want to put them in danger but also we miss them.
“I'm thinking of the needs of our parents and our kids needs. It seemed like the perfect solution.
“It was the first time Pam had ever face-timed. It's hilarious she's done them a timetable. She'll be really strict.
“My dad is threatening some old school discipline too. The kids won't know what's him them.”
Widow, Pamela, whose husband Dave died 12 years ago, who lives alone in her flat in Burnley, said: “It keeps your relationships going. Getting as many people involved in their education as you can will keep them interested.”
She is going to be using timetable sent over the school teaching them maths, English and spellings.
Val, from Benissa, Spain, a former hairdresser who used to run her own youth theatre, added: “It's been a terrible and frightening time.
“We're not allowed out of our house in Spain, only to go to the supermarket and then only one-at-a-time.
“I can walk the dog but only on my own and a few metres from our home.
“Seeing the grandchildren really gives us a boost and I'm looking forward to them teaching me some new moves too.
“It will keep my old body moving and relax the brain.”
Her son, Steve and wife Jane, who run Tubbs of Colne in Lancashire have had to shut up shop because of the crisis.
But they have started no-contact deliveries for those in isolation in the area.
“It's a time when we all have to look after each other, “ Steve added.
