A TEACHER has decorated the outside of her house in rainbow colours to lift the spirits of her neighbours and show support for the NHS.
Andrea Elleray, 41, was bored at her home in Accrington while in coronavirus lockdown and wanted to do something positive to put a smile on the faces of the community - including key workers and children.
She upcycled items to make rainbow-themed flowers and painted benches to create the colourful display.
She said: “I have been off for 14 weeks, much longer than the lockdown because I had an operation on my foot.
“The reason why I did it is because I was going mad staying in the house all day and wanted to cheer everyone up.”
Mrs Elleray, who teaches textiles and crafts at Heathland School in Accrington, said: “My original idea was to make children smile but it is for everyone to enjoy.
“I see some children every day coming back to see what is new.
“People will even bring me something like carrier bags to recycle into something colourful.”
She started the project on Mother’s Day as a way of honouring her mum who died several years ago.
Currently, Mrs Elleray is melting her mum’s old music records to make a big poppy.
Mrs Elleray has used plastic bottles, bottle tops, bags, old keys and even dusters to make parts of the display.
The reaction to her colourful house front has been positive, with many residents on her street saying it makes their daily walks more fun.
She said: “When I posted pictures online, a lot of people liked them and are excited to see what I add every week.
“The bench was next door’s, they were sending it to the tip so I asked if I could use it instead. Many people will leave plastic bags and bottles, so I always have things to use and it’s recycling so good for the environment too.”
Parents have thanked Mrs Elleray for helping get their children out of the house for walks and making everyone smile.
Tell us about the people on your road lifting spirits
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