CHILDREN across south Essex have been making rainbows as part of a movement to remind people “we are all in this together” during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The artwork is then displayed in the window to lift people’s spirits as they walk past, but more recently, to show support to the NHS and frontline workers.

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Colourful message - one child with her rainbows

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Proud - Edith, 3, from Hadleigh, enjoyed drawing her rainbow with coloured pencils

The movement started via a Facebook group, Chase the Rainbow, which now has more than 100,000 members. Since then, south Essex groups have been set up.

Thousands of families across the UK have shared photos of their children’s creative rainbow designs to keep spirits high during these difficult times.

Gina Williams, 29, mum to Willow, three, from Hadleigh, said: “We saw the idea on Facebook and thought it would be a good craft to keep the little ones busy.

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Rainbow love - Joshua and Zachary’s home in Rochford was decorated with multi-coloured hearts to make rainbows

“We weren’t sure if it would take off locally but it really has.

“It makes taking a walk more fun as we turn it into a rainbow hunt to see how many they can spot.

“It’s lovely seeing everyone’s variations of rainbows too and is a good reminder that we’re all in this together.”

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A Rochford family took creativity to the next level by making rainbows using multi-coloured hearts to cheer everyone up.

The mother, who couldn’t be named, has sons Joshua and Zachary.

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Thumbs up - Scarlett’s rainbow glowed in the sun

She said: “It was really a way for them to show support and encouragement for all of the people working on the frontline to fight this virus.

“They’re learning from home and have to be cooped up inside for a long time, to be doing nothing but homework in that time is a really hard task.”