Morecambe Bay residents called on to ring a bell and spread a little Christmas cheer

The idea is being spread around the nation as a way of bringing communities together after a difficult year.

It follows the idea from earlier this year when many people stood on their doorsteps and clapped for the NHS and key workers during the first lockdown.

Emily Ward, from the Morecambe and More website, said: "Many people are trying to encourage people to come together on their doorsteps one last time this year to ring a bell on Christmas Eve at 6pm.

"I think it would be a wonderful way to bring in the festive season, since we have had so much loss this year.

"This year we have seen communities come together more than ever before, from checking on neighbours, food deliveries and charity work across the board.

"The world seems bleak, with a very uncertain future ahead of us. Lockdowns, tier systems and isolation, it's easy to say this year has been tough on so many.

"Businesses that are disappearing from our high streets, that were once were full of Christmas shoppers. Families struggling with job losses. Single people facing Christmas alone.

"So for one last time this year, let's all come together and see this horrible year out!

"Stand on your doorstep, ring a bell. Ring for your missing loved ones. Ring for the ones working through the festive season. Ring for the people who may have lost their jobs this year. Ring for the Festive Spirit. Ring for any reason you feel you need to!

"If you don't have a bell, there are many bell apps available online to download onto mobile devices, or even if you just stand on your doorstep and clap, like we did for the NHS, let's all come together for one last time this year.

"Let's hope that the next year will be a better one!"