Christmas Eve doorstep bell ring sees thousands participate across UK

(AP)

Thousands of Britons have taken part in the Christmas Eve bell-ringing to combat loneliness.

People across the UK rang their bells for two minutes at 6pm on December 24 as part of the campaign, which started on October 19.

The campaign was backed by celebrities including Michael Sheen and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, members of the Royal Family and politicians of all parties.

The event was even endorsed by Captain Sir Tom Moore, who called it “a brilliant initiative at a time where it is really needed”.

I didn’t have a bell to ring for bell ringing but jingled my keys 🔑 😂 pic.twitter.com/FcatLpeKnD

— Chris Chandler (@dayoutoflife) December 24, 2020

Members of the public in Rochdale stood outside their homes in Christmas jumpers and Santa Claus hats to ring bells at 6pm.

NHS worker Katherine Raven took a video of her neighbours ringing bells in Essex.

She said that the NHS' Mid and South Essex Health and Care partnership had been working locally to promote the event.

All our neighbours came out to ring bells, it was so lovely! Thinking of all the #NHS staff and other carers working tonight and the next few days. #MSEBigThankYou #RingABell #Christmas #Christmas2020 #ChristmasEve #2020Angels pic.twitter.com/hGNQ8S0Fxd

— #HelloMyNameIs Katherine (@KatRaven15) December 24, 2020

The Prime Minister and his fiancee Carrie Symonds also promised to take part, after they phoned organiser Mary Beggs-Reid about the campaign on Tuesday morning.

However, there was no sign of the Prime Minister during a live stream of the front door of Number 10 Downing street at 6pm.

Our street just came out to ring bells and wish each other merry Christmas but we have no bells so my wife banged a big spoon against a pot, like it was Belfast in 1971 pic.twitter.com/CDoHh2Co1D

— Neil Brennan (@nrdbrennan) December 24, 2020

Mrs Beggs-Reid, from Harrogate, North Yorkshire, said her event is “more needed now than ever” after strict measures have been put in place across the UK to help combat the spread of coronavirus.