Northampton Scouts family spend day painting 'house rainbow' ahead of St George's Day

The Hodgkiss family have painted a rainbow on their roof to raise a smile among their neighbourhood.

Far Cotton scout group members, Tracey and James Hodgkiss, were hard at work on Sunday giving their family home a lick of paint in the shape of a rainbow, as part of a touching tribute to NHS and key workers.

Tracey said: "My husband James loves putting his hand to making anything from fixing the car, fitting a kitchen to painting rainbows.

"The front of the house needed a fresh lick of paint, we had a variety of spare tins of paint, so he said 'I want to paint a rainbow on the front of the house to show appreciation for all the amazing NHS staff and key workers'."

James, Tracey, Jacob, Harry and Chloe all put their scouting uniforms on last night to renew their scouts promise to St George.Picture by Leila Coker.

The family said passers-by have described the boldy-coloured roof as 'amazing' and 'beautiful' - and one NGH nurse thanked them personally for making her smile after some tough shifts.

Last night, the family of five stepped outside at 8pm to drum pots and pans and make a noise for the fifth national Clap for Carers campaign.

But as yesterday was St George's Day - the patron saint of Scouting - they each put on their Scouting uniform to renew their Scout's promise.

James is a group scout leader and scout leader, Tracey is the joint group fundraiser, Chloe is a Cub leader, Jacob is a Scout his brother Harry is a Cub.

Beaver, Archie, belongs to the 2nd Broughton Scouts.

Tracey said: "We have been a Scouting family for around five years now and we normally all get together to celebrate St George's Day with our scout group, 13th St Mary's Northampton.

"We are especially proud to get together with all Scouts to show our immense appreciation for all that the NHS and key workers do."

Other children across the county also put on their uniforms and neckers at 8pm, including six-year-old Archie Graves from Broughton.

His mum Katie added: "We have been clapping every week for the NHS and it has been lovely to see our street come together and support all the key workers.

"Archie enjoys doing this every Thursday but was even more excited to wear his scout uniform this week. As part of his scout group, he recited his scout promise and even placed his 'necker' in the window for other children in our village to spot on their daily walks.

"It was lovely to see him proudly standing in the street with his uniform on. He even got a special cheer from the neighbours who enjoyed seeing him in his uniform."