A young north Belfast girl enjoyed a birthday surprise with a difference yesterday when friends, neighbours and even strangers gathered outside her home to help her celebrate.
Charlotte Terry had been left "heartbroken" when plans for her sixth birthday party in an ice-cream shop had to be cancelled due to Covid-19.
The P2 pupil at Cavehill Primary School had already written her invitations and was excited about handing them out when she was told it could not go ahead.
Her father Marc sent out an appeal on Facebook this week, asking anyone who was "not busy" yesterday and happened to live close to their home on Cavehill Road to gather - while socially distancing - to sing Happy Birthday to the youngster.
And at 1.30pm, a crowd of well-wishers arrived outside Charlotte's home, holding home-made banners and balloons, while others had even brought presents for her.
They then sang Happy Birthday to the delighted schoolgirl - twice.
Mr Terry said his daughter was "shocked" when she saw the visitors.
"She didn't know what to do," he said.
"It was so nice. She was pleasantly surprised."
The father-of-one, who left cupcakes in the front garden as a thank you to those who had made an effort for his daughter, added: "It's lovely because we were panicking because we didn't know what do. It was something different. She loved it."
