REGULAR readers will have seen our pledge to continue supporting our communities in these worrying times, writes Whitehaven News’ editor, Vanessa Sims.

Hopefully you will all be following the government’s rules on social distancing, as well as the advice to stay at home where possible, avoid all but except essential travel, and when you must go out for essential supplies and exercise only, remain two metres distant from other people.

With that in mind, your Whitehaven News may start to look a little different in the weeks ahead, as we try to include all the latest developments on the coronavirus outbreak, in addition to the updated guidance from the Government.

And seeing as sport – usually a mainstay of our edition – is extremely thin on the ground, instead we plan to include some pages with suggestions for new hobbies, advice on mental wellbeing, dog walking and puzzles to keep you entertained.

We hope they can be useful, informative, and in parts, entertaining.

Please let me know if there’s any other content you’d like to see during the new reality we’re all facing for the time being – email me at vanessa.sims@newsquest.co.uk or write to me at Whitehaven News, Newspaper House, 1 Dalston Road, Carlisle.

Share a thought for others less fortunate

As many of us begin to become frustrated at being on lockdown in our homes we must avoid the temptation to go out and socialise. We are yet to learn if our social lockdown is working but one thing is for a sure - if we want to get back to 'normal' sooner rather than later then we must continue to follow the government's advice. Check in on your loved ones but do it at distance.