BEING stuck in lockdown is not the ideal way to spend a birthday, but many people in East Lancashire will have no choice but to sit at home and blow out the candles with only those they live with.

Everybody’s planned birthday’s may be cancelled, but the Lancashire Telegraph would like to wish a Happy Birthday to all those turning a year older during the coronavirus outbreak.

Nicola Grantham from Hyndburn praised her daughter’s understanding during the outbreak.

She said: “My amazing daughter Poppy Townsend turns six on April 15. She’s such a lovely girl and a fantastic big sister to her little brother who’s disabled. We are now shielding for at least 12 weeks due to her brother being high risk.

"She’s been so good throughout all this, we had to cancel her birthday party and she knows she can’t even go out for walks like some of her friends.”

Lauren Brown, from Darwen, wished her daughter many happy returns and said she has a decent understanding of the pandemic.

She said: “Macy-Leigh will be nine on April 20. She sort of understands what’s going on, we were supposed to be going to the aquarium for her birthday as she wants to be a marine biologist, but obviously that isn’t happening.

“I'm just hoping I will be able to get her some birthday treats. She says she’s not bothered about presents as long as we are healthy.”

Rita Norris, from Rishton, wanted to toast her husband, Tim, who has already turned 60.

She said: “It’s been a quiet celebration with just ourselves but we have our health and the love of our family and friends”

Due to the pandemic no places are open for birthday parties, which leaves many people dashing to supermarkets to get birthday cakes and presents.

Deborah Ponti, from Blackburn, could not give her daughter Valentina the party she had wanted, but hopes she will still have a great day.

She said: “Our daughter Valentina will be five on April 6.

“We had to cancel her party with her friends but she is still excited for her big day.”