PEOPLE are hoping to spread some cheer over the festive season with a 'Worldwide Christmas Eve Jingle'.

After what has been an unprecedented year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with people losing loved ones, being separated from family and friends and struggling with the impact of lockdown restrictions, the idea is to bring "magic, hope and togetherness" to communities. 

A Facebook group has been set up to spread the word and it says the idea originally started in Harrogate.

It now has more than 160,000 members as people spread the word. 

It says: "On Christmas Eve at 6pm (your country) we are asking everyone to come outside and ring a bell for 2 mins to spread Christmas spirit and to help Santa fly that sleigh. With the added option of set carols to sing after!"

It adds: "It will create a wave of bells across the world. After a tough year it would be an amazing memory for the kids and communities. End 2020 with a bit of magic, hope and togetherness!"