STAFF at the Portakabin Hire Centre in Somerset have been working hard to create Christmas miracles for loved-ones in Wales.

The Highbridge centre helped to create and install Covid-safe pods at more than 25 care homes in the country.

Portakabin was approached by the Welsh Government in mid-November and asked to develop the pods, which will allow care home residents to meet and spend time with their family members over the festive period.

Robert Snook, director and general manager at Portakabin said: “Seeing loved ones is at the top of everyone’s Christmas list this year and so, when the call came in, we had to accept the challenge.

"It has meant all hands to the pump to ensure our specially-designed visitor buildings were able to be delivered on time however, seeing the first care home resident finally see a family member face-to-face truly feels magical and it’s something the whole team can be proud of.”

The pods feature additional ventilation, screens and an emergency call system.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Care, Julie Morgan, said these pods will help those who are most "vulnerable" to spend time with family.

“This year has been one of the most difficult all of us have experienced in Wales, and the effects of coronavirus have been felt throughout our health and social care sectors," she added.

“The arrival of these care home visiting pods will help some of our most vulnerable people safely spend valuable time with family and friends.

“Together with the start of the vaccine roll-out to care home residents, we are seeing a glimmer of light at the end of what has been a long tunnel.

"I want to thank our social care staff for the fantastic lengths they have gone to keep their residents safe.”