A lucky little girl was given a very special birthday gift this weekend — despite the cancellation of her party because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Annie Duffin could not have friends round for a celebration, but her 5th birthday was still one to remember after a special drive-by display by emergency services personnel, including police, the fire service and the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

Louisa Knight, Annie’s mom, said that Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley and his team who organised the display had “absolutely surpassed themselves”.

She added: “We didn’t realise that colleagues from the Royal Bermuda Regiment and Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service would also be stopping by.

“It was absolutely fantastic in such an unprecedented and uncertain time in all our lives.”

Ms Knight said: “It really lifted spirits and displayed Bermuda and community spirit at its best.”

A video of the motorcade as it passed the family’s Paget home was posted to the BPS Facebook page on Saturday.

Ms Knight said that she had been bombarded with messages from wellwishers.

She added: “So many people had commented and sent messages saying how it brightened their day and made them feel quite emotional. It was a welcome distraction.

“We were also touched by how many people took the time to comment on the social-media post and wish Annie a happy birthday.”

Ms Knight said that she at first had contacted the BPS to ask permission to hold a drive-by party.

She added that the Covid-19 crisis had forced the cancellation of travel plans for Annie to see grandparents, family visits to the island, and the Agricultural Show.

Ms Knight said: “It felt like fun had been cancelled lately, so we really wanted to be able to do something fun.”

She added police had ruled out the drive-by party request, but that officers had stepped up to organise the special birthday show for Annie.

Ms Knight said that her daughter had planned to ask friends and family to make a donation to the Bermuda SPCA rather than give her a gift.

She explained that Annie loved animals, was a regular volunteer at the SPCA and helped at its stables at the weekends.

Ms Knight added that her daughter had also helped raise funds for the charity by selling raffle tickets and taking part in tag days.

• Anyone interested in donating to the SPCA should visit spca.bm/donate