STAFF working at three schools in Herefordshire have been treated to a special video message from star of stage and screen John Barrowman.

The Scottish-born actor, singer and presenter recorded a message of thanks for the staff working through the coronavirus pandemic at Aylestone and Broadlands Primary schools in Hereford, as well as Withington Primary a few miles east of the city.

Mr Barrowman, 53, who has previously featured in Doctor Who and Torchwood on the BBC, relayed a message from executive headteacher at the schools Simon Robertson.

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"The message is to say thank you very much for doing everything you've done for looking after the children during lockdown," Mr Barrowman said.

"You've worked through school holidays, including bank holidays, and it sounds like to me – and I'm saying this as a thank you also as someone who loves kids – thank you for going above and beyond what has been asked of you.

"It's totally appreciated and this is the time of the most of when people should come together as a community, even though we do have differences and we might not agree on a lot of stuff.

"This is when we need to come together so thank you all for doing that and it is very much appreciated.

"The person who got in touch with me wants you to know that."

Mr Barrowman, who also featured in ITV's I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here in 2018, added: "Everybody at Aylestone, Broadlands and Withington, all of the staff, I want you to be safe, I want you to be strong and I want you to be fabulous.

"Thank you everybody for all your amazing work it's very much appreciated. Although it's not said all the time, it is appreciated."

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While Broadlands Primary School had been open to vulnerable children and children of key workers throughout the pandemic, including during school holidays, the staff welcomed more pupils back on June 1 as part of the Government’s plans to reopen primary schools.

Speaking about the partial reopening, Mr Robertson added: “Putting plans in place for June 1 was a monumental task but, thanks to the hard work of our staff, it has been a huge success.

“We would also like to say a massive thank you to the children and part who have been so supportive of the school throughout this unique period.”