Isolated Claude, 92, gets a lockdown birthday to remember as cards and gifts flood in to his Leighton Buzzard home

Claude Cutler who has not been in good health and is currently isolating, hadn't been out for seven weeks when town councillor Tony Morris delivered some personal food shopping.

In conversation it was mentioned that four days later it was to be Claude's 92nd birthday.

Tony shared Claude's story with friends on WhatsApp - the outcome of which was dozens of birthday cards arrived from well-wishers around the world.

Cards arrived from friends across the country, from people he will never actually meet, with a letter also turning up from South West Beds MP Andrew Selous. There were messages from Titisee-Neustadt, Leighton-Linslade's town twinning partner in Germany, and from a family in California.

Red roses arrived from town and CBC councillor Victoria Harvey and a chocolate cake appeared too.

It certainly put a smile on Claude's face as you can see from the video.

He says: "I've never had so many cards in my 92 years. They've filled the mat inside my door this morning. I'm overwhelmed."

Claude, who celebrated with a piece of cake and cup of tea during the afternoon, adds: "I wish all my children could be here with me, but that will come. I really enjoyed my day."

If you are self-isolating and fancy some assistance with your shopping don't hesitate to give Tony a call on 07956 311450 or email [email protected]At the start of the outbreak Claude was feeling very isolated, but he was put in touch with Leighton Listeners and has received regular phone calls which he says have really changed his life.

Leighton Listeners & Counsellors is a group of volunteers that have come together to support the local community of Leighton Buzzard during the coronavirus crisis. The volunteer listeners are all caring people and are there to give friendly calls to anyone who is in need of a call to encourage them during these stressful times Listeners is for anyone who finding the lockdown period is a bit of a struggle and misses seeing friends and family.

So if you or someone you know is feeling a bit lonely, isolated or just needs a friendly chat why not get in touch and they will arrange for someone to give them a call. They can arrange for someone to call regularly or every now and then, whatever is best.

If you think that you or someone you know would benefit from a friendly call all you need to do is to go to the Leighton-Linslade Helpers website and complete a short online form, see https://www.leightonlinsladehelpers.org.uk/telephone-help-form . The email is [email protected] or if you do not have internet access you can leave a message or text 07517 851395

For those who do have more complex mental health needs there is a small team of trained counsellors who can offer up to 3 sessions free of charge during the period of crisis.