A QUARANTINED mum and daughter from Dorset have made the best of a bad situation - by celebrating Christmas in September.

Nichola Canning and her nine-year-old daughter, Tilly, have both had to go into isolation after Mark’s School in Swanage was forced to close when a staff member tested positive for coronavirus.

Tilly attends the school as a student whilst her mother works there as a teaching assistant.

To boost their spirits as they were trapped inside, the pair came up with the idea of holding a Christmas-themed celebration during their two-week quarantine period.

The celebration took place on September 13 and featured all the traditional merriment.

The Christmas tree was up, they cooked and ate their Christmas dinner and even had presents delivered from friends, family and neighbours.

Dorset Echo: Tilly (left) with her mum Nichola Canning celebrated Christmas in September during their coronavirus self-isolation period Tilly (left) with her mum Nichola Canning celebrated Christmas in September during their coronavirus self-isolation period

Miss Canning said: “When we learned we were going into quarantine, I went into panic mode because we don’t have a garden. I thought, ‘what can I do to keep us sane?’

“We came up with the idea between the two of us. We took something really bad and turned it into something lovely. 

"Everyone was so great, all of our neighbours and friends delivered presents to us through the window. Some of the family even wrapped up sweets for her and we were able to put them under the tree.

“After spending all of our time together during lockdown, it had been nice to have some time to ourselves again. She’s probably sick of me by now but it’s been great spending so much time together.”

The decorations are now packed away until December, but there could well be an early Halloween celebration underway this weekend before their quarantine ends.

Tilly has also decided to use her time in isolation to support a worthy cause. A keen cyclist, Tilly is riding her bike for an hour a day on a stationary stand.

Dorset Echo: Tilly, 9, celebrated Christmas early with her mum Tilly, 9, celebrated Christmas early with her mum

She has set up a Facebook page detailing her progress and has already raised more than £200 for Margaret Green Animal Rescue, near Wareham.

Miss Canning added: “When we were told the school was shutting, her first reaction was, ‘does this mean I can’t ride my bike anymore?’

“We were able to set her up with a stationary bike stand and she had the idea to do the fundraiser. She worries about the animals and wants to help while she has the time.”

To view Tilly’s cycling progress or to donate to her cause, visit www.facebook.com/donate/612652032750085/