Generations of Wearside families catch up for the first time in weeks at parks and beaches as coronavirus lockdown rules are eased

Parks and beaches were busier across Sunderland as people took the chance to meet up with loved ones, albeit at a distance.

Boris Johnson eased lockdown measures this week, allowing two people from other households to meet up at an outdoor public place, at a social distance of two metres.

Among those making the most of the opportunity at Seaburn Beach was 40-year-old Victoria Booth, who had travelled through from her home in Newcastle to allow mum and dad John and Maureen Booth to see three-year-old grandson George Kilkenny.

With the lockdown rules still only allowing people to spend time with one relative at a time, the grandparents were forced to split their shifts.

Our photographer caught 72-year-old John on the beach with Victoria and George while Maureen, 64, looked on from the promenade.

“It has been six or seven weeks,” said John, from Fulwell.

“We have got two other grandchildren, but they are a lot older. Since George was born, we have been very close. We used to step in and babysit as Victoria and her partner both work full-time.”

The lockdown meant John and Maureen were denied the chance to spend precious time with their grandson on his latest big milestone.

“It was his birthday, so we put him in the car and drove past, but we couldn’t go in and all they could do was wave,” said Victoria, 40.

“It is sad and it is difficult,” she added.

“We have been checking in with them on Facetime and Facebook, but it is not the same.

“And George has not been across the doors for weeks, so this is great.”

Victoria and her partner are both teachers, and working alternately on a rota system. John believes the close attention they are paying to who they meet and enforcing social distancing means it is safe to meet up.

“I know I have not got it and my wife has not got it and I know they have not got it because they have not been anywhere or been in contact with anybody,” he said.

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