Dozens of people have been hitting the streets to celebrate their community and find new ways of making friends with their neighbours.

On the usually quiet estate of Howgills in Wigton one man has been rallying the troops to make sure everyone had as much socially distanced fun as possible.

The instigator was Juan Martos 57, who has been organising bingo and quizzes along with many other activities everyone can join in with.

But, his crowing idea is to host a carnival on the estate and for everyone to join in and decorate their homes.

In between working as a delivery driver Mr Martos said: “It all started just after lockdown, I had some leaflets made up offering to help people, I did some shopping and things like that.

"Then I thought, when lockdown started, we should try and 'meet up' while staying in our own homes.

"I put a message out asking people if they fancied meeting on a Sunday in their gardens.

"About thirty houses all sat in their front gardens and get to know each other."

When people started to come out and talk to neighbours over the road, some of which they didn't it spurred him on and that's when Bingo and quizzes started.

Excited with the communities enthusiasm He said: "someone had a mic and a speaker and we were able to put it on so everyone could hear and join in to play games with each other from the safety of their homes. We live in a cul-de-sac and it just took off people started to make cakes and picnics and everyone really enjoys themselves."

After the success of the bingo afternoons, residents on the street suggested he organise a carnival after Wigtons had been cancelled.

Up for the challenge, he added: "I thought this was a great idea, so I have been working, and planning ways to make this happen. I have only lived here a couple of years and now I feel like I belong here and my community is putting their trust in me.

"I have asked all the houses who want to take part to decorate the front of their homes so it will make it feel like a big street party like VE day.

"There will be a fancy dress, bingo and quizzes I'm even planning a colouring-in competition for the children with rosettes for the winners.

2I have also organised a few surprises such as an ice cream van coming along and there is also set to be another couple of special guest but I can't say who they will be at the moment or they wouldn't be a surprise."

The street carnival is set to take place on June 27 on the Howgills estate Wigton.