A grandmother-of-four has become a rising TikTok star after she used the language of dance to convince young people to act responsibly amid growing fears of a second lockdown.

Margaret Hansard, from Abbots Langley, started a movement in Hertfordshire when she took to the social media platform for a #Nantervention.

The pensioner can be seen in the video shaking her hips as she danced to BENEE's Supalonely. In the video, she appeals to youngsters in Hertfordshire to protect their nans who have had to endure the loneliness of the coronavirus lockdown.

She asks viewers to keep social distancing, wear their masks and wash their hands, and to remember the rule of six.

The video, posted by granddaughter Lucy, has had more than 700 views so far.

The video caption reads: "My Nan is staging a #Nantervention ! She wants me and my friends in #Hertfordshire to socialise safely...and not forget their Nan. #GrandparentGoals"

Margaret said: “It’s no secret that cases are rising, so I wanted to do something that I knew my grandkids and their friends would see. I don't want them to stop socialising with their friends - just remind them of their loved ones who are vulnerable or isolating at home.

"The backing by the Health Protection Board has been great. I never thought my video would reach this many people so I'm excited to see what the future holds with this activity – keep an eye out for the SWAT (Seniors With A TikTok) team!"

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Granddaughter Lucy Hansard said: "I think it's great my nan wanted to make this video and learn the ways of TikTok - I was more than happy to help her out! The #Nantervention is a simple way to remind us all what we should be doing to socialise safely and why."

Margaret's inspirational video quickly spread through the local community and was recreated by numerous nans across the county, in hope of encouraging others in the area to do the same.

More than 84 videos have appeared on TikTok and Instagram, and the hashtag #Nantervention is gaining momentum with the videos already reaching 481,965 people.

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The Hertfordshire Health Protection Board, the multi-agency body charged with managing and responding to Covid-19 outbreaks in Hertfordshire, is backing the campaign.

They are piloting a specialised community safety presence, nicknamed the ‘SWAT team’ (or Seniors With A TikTok), who will be out and about encouraging 18-25-year olds to stay safe during the pandemic.

Jim McManus, Hertfordshire’s director of public health, said: “We love that these nans are taking direct action, and having seen the popularity of the Nantervention movement on social media we were very happy to lend support to the cause.

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“We are piloting the ‘SWAT team’ to see if grandparents on the ground, spreading the word and keeping an eye out in our communities, will help us reduce the spread of coronavirus in the county. Most people sit up a little straighter when nan’s around, so this might just be the reminder people need!

“We know there is still some confusion around current government guidelines, and this is about making sure young people know how they can socialise safely. The message here is very much, yes, go out and enjoy yourselves, but do it safely and help protect yourselves and your loved ones – including grandparents!”