A ‘PROFESSIONAL mermaid’ is lifting spirits during the pandemic by donning her costume and sending birthday wishes to children.

Comedy performer Rowan Birkett, of Ambleside, had been looking forward to entertaining the public in her mermaid outfit at functions this summer but had her bookings cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis

But she was determined to put ‘The Lake District Mermaid’ to good use despite the restrictions imposed on daily life.

“I was sitting there thinking ‘I’m here, I have got all my stuff. I can’t do any gigs. What can I do to bring a smile to people’s faces?’” said Miss Birkett.

So, sitting in the little stream in her garden, she has been sending birthday wishes to children whose parents have requested them.

To get in touch with Miss Birkett, visit lakedistrictmermaid.com.