The Yorkshire district where residents are "most compliant" in UK with lockdown rules

Ryedale has been named as the district that is most compliant with the regulations to curb the spread of coronavirus and protect the public and NHS, according to survey findings published on Monday.

The reason, its residents say, is down to a "strong community spirit" and a high number of local businesses providing home deliveries.

Some 98.2 per cent of residents in the district, which covers locations such as Malton, Pickering and Helmsley, told a survey they were adhering to the rules on staying at home and only going out to shop for essential items and do 30 minutes of exercise.

The data was collected by health app Evergreen Life, which was launched in partnership with the NHS.

Middlesborough was meanwhile named the worst area, with 25 per cent of respondents admitting to flouting the restrictions.

Nanette Whittle, who is a resident in Malton, said: "I think it is because we are lucky enough to live in the countryside.

"Most people here work locally and have local businesses, so they very quickly rose to the challenge delivering essentials and have a very well managed local community response team."

Howard Kinder, 58, who runs Horsetown Beers in Ryedale, said:"I think there are a number of factors, the main one being that Ryedale is very rural and a high proportion of the population have their own green space. In more condensed areas people have migrated to parks because that's their only option.

"Age demographic also comes into play. I believe the more 'mature' people have taken the threat more seriously than the younger generation. I'm not saying all of the younger generation haven't taken it serious, I just think the older ones have grasped the seriousness of it more.

"Certainly in Malton, the traders have been quick to offer home deliveries, negating the need for people to go shopping. Community support and people feeling being part of a community has also helped."

Malton hairdresser Karen Miller, 50, also said local businesses were instrumental in keeping people from leaving their homes.

She said: "Many businesses which had to close due to isolation thought on their feet and became pop up shops and were able to deliver food, meals, fruit, vegetables, baking and takeaways, thus allowing those isolating to stay indoors as supermarkets were unable to keep up with demand.

"Also, a large group called Ryedale Network Volunteers were formed with approx 600 volunteers across Ryedale.

"They shop, collect prescriptions, dog walk, and are on the end of the phone for anyone who needs them. I’m happy to say I am a volunteer myself.

"I think the community spirit of helping each other across Ryedale shows in all of this, pulling together, helping everyone especially the vulnerable, to survive."

Speaking at a scrutiny meeting chaired by Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan and streamed online, North Yorkshire County Council Chief Executive Richard Flinton said that recognition was also needed for residents adhering to the rules.

“We need to recognise the brilliant nature of our communities in North Yorkshire and how people have stepped forward to look after other people,” Mr Flinton said.

"It's a real positive about being in North Yorkshire at this time."