A SCHOOL has thanked parents for all the hard work they put in during the lockdown by handing out a ‘hug in a mug’.

Students across the country are back in school from Monday, and one school admitted it may have been a testing time for parents and families.

Blackburn Central High School sent 50 ‘hug in a mugs’ to some families to encourage ‘parents to sit down with a hot chocolate and some biscuits for a little bit of me time’.

The treats were donated by Morrisons in Great Harwood, who heard of the school’s appeal and kindly offered to help.

The school said parents were ‘doing everything they can to encourage students to access their virtual learning’ and picked 10 names per year group at random.

Headteacher Shanaz Hussain said: “We have all had some dismal and dark days during the Covid restrictions, and it has been hard for many people in our school family, and by that I mean staff, students and parents.

“Our ‘hug in a mug’ is a small flash of warmth and a token of thanks to some of our parents who have supported their child’s online learning throughout the school closures.

“We have been so touched by the way students and parents have engaged with our online lessons, delivered by our wonderful teachers.

“We wished that we could have sent many more, however, financial restraints prevented that.

“We are so grateful to Natasha Beck at Morrisons at Great Harwood for her generous gesture. We look forward to welcoming back all of our staff and students very soon.”

Parents were overjoyed.

One said: “Thank you for sending out the lovely ‘hug in a mug’ treat from the school.

“When I arrived home from work I found it sitting on my dressing table, so that was a thoughtful and heart-warming surprise and much needed, especially how stressful the past few weeks have been for me with the pressures at work and last week we had worrying news that both my parents had tested positive for the virus.

“Both are okay now.

“So, a tearful smile seeing the ‘hug in a mug’ treat.

“Nothing beats a warm hot choc and biscuits when you need, my favourite curled up with a book after a long day.

“Thank you for your support and to all the teachers,” they added.