A Macclesfield man has been keeping his neighbours entertained through two back garden concerts that have helped the community come together while staying apart.

Nick Pettigrew, who lives in the close-knit community of Lyme Green, on the outskirts of Macclesfield has been playing music for neighbours using his loudspeakers, with plans to branch into bingo.

Nick told Nub News: "A couple of weeks ago, I got inspired by the people singing on their balconies in Italy and posted the idea of playing music on the Lyme Green Facebook page to see if anyone would mind and for some song suggestions; everyone was dead positive."

He added: "I put the speakers on my decking for an hour and just did it. People seemed to really enjoy it."

When Nick asked for suggestions for songs to play, his neighbours "got well involved" and the subsequent playlist would have amounted to four hours of music.

The playlist included a wide range of music, including 'Sunshine on a Rainy Day' by Zoë, 'Sweet Caroline' by Neil Diamond and 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC.

"Everyone was dancing in their back gardens or waving umbrellas out their windows, which was really nice to see," Nick said.

He added: "We're quite a tight community, so it's nice we all stay in touch through the Facebook page. I just had the romantic thought that if we're all sitting in the garden listening to the same music it might be a nice thing for people."

The Lyme Green community has become closer in recent years through their 'Park 4all' campaign in which they have been fundraising to improve facilities at the park on Robin Lane.

Fundraising has included the hosting of street parties and Christmas get-togethers for residents.

During these difficult times, Nick said: "It's nice to be able to get together, but not be together if that makes sense."

Nick now plans to swap the role of DJ to bingo caller in a community-wide game in his continuing effort to raise spirits.