THE owners of Leigh’s Nurseries operating across the North-East, including in Heddon-on-the-Wall, have called for more recognition for early years’ professionals working on the frontline.

Paul and Leigh Caven said that nursery staff were often overlooked as important workers in the Covid-19 pandemic, despite putting their safety on the line to look after other key workers’ children, ensuring they could carry out their important role.

Readers of the Hexham Courant agreed, and sympathised, with the owners.

Harriet Wanless said: “Massive respect! Fingers crossed you get the recognition you deserve.”

Tracy Hood said: “I agree, you should receive more recognition and should be vaccinated along with other key workers. Stay safe.”

Joanne Marshall said: “If only Boris thought we were worth it too.”

Graham Leadbitter said: “You do deserve more recognition and up there along with teachers, however to those who think they should be vaccinated, it’s categorised for a reason otherwise everyone will be fighting to be first and it certainly ain’t a battle of the fittest for the vaccine, keep up the good work, just because you don’t get a mention don’t think no-one cares, many heroes have gone un-named throughout time.”

Brian Robe said: “I would like more recognition for the drivers who deliver our food and goods, for the mechanics who keep the vehicles we rely on running, for the bin men who take our waste away and all the other key workers who just get on with the job without recognition.”

Chris Hughes said: “As many others have, I worked through this entire sorry saga and not once have I even been recognised for the aforementioned fact.”