THERE were smiles but no hugs and kisses when Mark Rowe and his mum Sue met up for the first time in more than three months.

The two had been kept apart during lockdown as Sue had been unable to visit Mark in the care home where he lives.

But they finally met face to face after the Government eased the rules aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19.

Mark and Sue were among a number of residents at Manor Care Home, in Bishop's Hull, who got to see their loved ones in long-awaited reunions.

They all got together in the home's large garden, albeit adhering to strict social distancing rules.

The home's general manager Carla Bowman said the garden was "full of joy and chatter".

She added: "This has been a much welcomed development in what have been very strange times.

"The visits are safe and organised, and it was wonderful to see how happy it made the residents.

"We will of course endeavour to keep up the high standards of care, and continue with our ever evolving life enrichment programme, to keep residents engaged. But this was a lovely day."