Cheerful messages in chalk have been appearing across Torbay
The messages, jokes and pictures aim to lift locals' spirits during lockdown
Last updated 16th Apr 2021
Cheerful messages, designed to put smiles on people's faces, have been appearing on pavements across Torbay.
The Torbay Chalk Trail follows on from the Christmas Trail and the Sunflower Trail before it, all designed to cheer people up during lockdown.
Torbay Community Development Trust's community builders are coordinating the initiative, which is seeing jokes, messages and drawings popping up on paths across the Bay.
The messages, done in chalk, disappear after rain, but whilst there provide something for people to read and admire whilst out on their daily exercise or on route to the shops.
Tara Acton, Community Builder for Chelston, Livermead and Cockington, has set up a Facebook page to coordinate the efforts and display pictures of the finished results. She said:
"We just want people to have the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings and sense of humour so that everyone knows we are all in this together.
"The great thing is that the work does not last for long and washes away as soon as it rains, but in the meantime, they are there for everyone to enjoy."
So far, examples of work include colourful drawings of flowers, smiley faces and mandalas alongside messages, including Be Happy!, Smile! It's Free and One Size Fits All, and Don't Forget to Smile.