CREATIVE residents in Gornal are creating a 'Covid Snake' out of painted rocks to bring the community closer together during lockdown.

The project sees people of all ages paint a rock and add it to the 'snake' outside Gornal library to brighten up the village.

The snake line started over the weekend and already has at least 122 colourful additions, with organisers eager to see how long the snake can grow.

Helen Pitt, who is part of the popular Gornal Rocks Facebook page, said the project shows the community in Gornal is coming together, from a distance, during lockdown.

She said: "It's been lovely to see the community spirit so strong and is bringing us together even though we are all apart.

"If we can make someone smile who is by themselves or make people happy on their daily walk then we have done a good job."

The project was inspired by the Gornal Rocks group, whose members paint, hide and collect pained rocks around the neighbourhood and then share their discoveries on social media.

The group started two years ago and has been a rave success, with the group's Facebook page amassing around 1,900 members.

Gornal Rocks has been a hit with youngsters, but adults are also keen to get involved.

Helen added: "Painting is quite therapeutic and it's nice for people to feel connected."

To get involved add a painted rock to the snake outside the library and share a photo on Gornal Rocks with the hashtag #covid19snake2020