A hilarious video by firefighters highlighting the importance of social distancing has gone viral attracting more than 100,000 views just hours after it was launched.
The crews on duty at St Mary’s Fire Station in Southampton performed Peter Kay’s cover of Amarillo in the drill yard with engine lights flashing and firefighters in the aerial ladder platform.
The video was organised yesterday evening by Watch Manager Adam Bundle for BBC One’s Big Night In and was shared by people across the country – including the famous comedian behind the song.
The show will be on tonight (23/04/20) from 7pm to 10pm to celebrate the efforts of the NHS and other key workers, and will feature a remake of the comedian’s iconic rendition of the Tony Christie classic.
Watch Manager Bundle said:
“We were really keen to show our support for the NHS and also reassure the public that we are still ready to do whatever it takes to help and support our communities.
“We also wanted to get across the vital message about social distancing and the need to stay two metres apart – hopefully we have also helped put a little bit a joy out there at this challenging time.
“All of us are completely overwhelmed by the response to our video and would like to thank people for supporting us and urge them to help us and save lives by staying at home.”
Others featured in the video are Firefighter Shannon Doughty, Crew Manager Steve Hunns, Firefighter Charlie Ashman, Firefighter Matt Broadway, Crew Manager Rob Martin, Firefighter Paul Harding, Firefighter Adrian Cobb and Firefighter James Everett.
It was filmed by Firefighter Steve Gulliver with a phone in one hand and a portable stereo in the other.
The crews at St Mary’s have been supporting the NHS both in their work and the weekly clap along with other stations across the county.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has previously promoted the importance of social distancing with its #2metrechallege to encourage people to think of innovative ways to demonstrate the distance and highlight the issue.