The Covid-19 pandemic dominated the headlines across the world in 2020, and it was a tough year for everyone.

While it was a challenging time for every Bucks resident, the pandemic highlighted just how communities can pull together in times of crisis.

Sadly, there were plenty of upsetting stories last year - but also some amazing tales of community spirit. If someone you know, a volunteer, GP surgery, care or hospital worker, deserves recognition, nominate them for a Buckinghamshire Health and Social Care Award here - www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/awards.

Here are some of the stories - and people - who made us smile in 2020:

Lonely care home residents overwhelmed with lovely letters from pupils

Kind-hearted Highcrest Academy pupils sent poems, pictures and letters to elderly residents at The Swarthmore Care Home in Gerrards Cross.

The care home was overwhelmed with lovely letters from across the world after residents became lonely without their family visiting.

Woman fights off Covid-19 to celebrate her 100th birthday in hospital

Nursing staff at Wycombe Hospital made sure Ivy Reeves celebrated her milestone birthday in style after battling coronavirus.

Ivy’s son Alan was given special permission to visit her in the hospital, wearing PPE, to help her open her cards, enjoy cake and deliver Ivy’s message from the Queen.

Ninety-year-old man is the first in Bucks to be vaccinated against Covid-19

Brian Horne from Chalfont St Peter was the first resident to be vaccinated back in December in what was hailed as an “historic day for Buckinghamshire”.

He received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at the Hall Practice, his GP practice. Since then thousands of residents have been given the jab by hardworking teams across the county.

Bouquets of flowers pop up on benches to lift spirits

A number of colourful flower arrangements were popping up on different benches on The Green in Wooburn Green, with sweet messages telling the person who found them to keep them - or give them to someone who needs cheering up.

This was a lovely idea by Hot Flowers and Art in Wooburn Green, who launched the heartwarming project to help spread some cheer in tough times.

Driver helps deliver PPE after company has van stolen

John Ridgley, owner of JR-Travel Private Hire in High Wycombe, stepped up to help Sabeti Wain Aerospace deliver vital PPE after their van was stolen.

The aerospace company had turned its hand to manufacturing PPE for the NHS but had their van stolen from their HQ in Sands.

John stepped in to distribute the PPE Sabeti Wain was making to hospitals, care homes, doctors and hospices on their behalf while their van is gone.