A PERSONAL trainer has spread his wings and tried something a little different in a bid spread some cheer amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Jason Briley, of Springfield Close, has taken to dancing in his street – whilst observing social distancing – in a chicken costume as he looks to help brighten his neighbours’ days.

And with the trend now spreading, it’s more than just those in his street who are now enjoying his disco in isolation – or ‘discolation’ as he has since dubbed it.

The 48-year-old says he was inspired by a video he saw of some people “up north” doing something similar. But while his friends were initially reluctant to take the plunge, he took it upon himself to step up to the plate.

Jason said: “The person who sent it to me, all our friends looked at it and said, ‘this is amazing, we should do it.’ Everyone wanted to but no one did. So I just thought I’ll do it in my square.”

He mentioned the idea to a neighbour when they were stood on their doorsteps clapping for the NHS one night. She said she would watch if Jason did it, and that was all the encouragement he needed.

“I said it only takes one person, that’s an audience, that will do,” he told the Advertiser.

“I didn’t tell them I was going to be a chicken. That was a last minute thing. I thought it was going to be tough pulling off something really silly as a 48-year-old man. But if a chicken goes out there, a chicken is already stupid.”

But as stupid as it may have sounded, it struck a chord with many residents – both from his street and beyond.

He added: “They loved it. I didn’t say anything, I just wheeled my speaker out, pressed play, started dancing and then when I stopped I just wheeled back in.”

The next day a family from the other end of the road got involved, dressing up as cowboys and Indians and dancing along.

Videos have been shared from other areas of town, with people from as far as Winchester getting involved. And Andover Radio has since pledged to play a song at 11am so that everyone can join in and dance along, wherever they may be.

Jason, who runs SuperFit Boot Camp, in Newbury, says people have been getting involved even if they don’t have a front garden, instead opening their windows and dancing and singing along in whatever way they can.

His wife Hilary says it’s also proved to be a real highlight for an elderly neighbour who is otherwise unable to get out and about and interact with her neighbours.

“One of our neighbours, due to health issues, had to put herself into self-isolation,” Hilary explained.

“But from her bedroom window she can see out onto the street. So being able to see actual faces of people is great for her.”

Hilary added: “We’re all sharing the same world that’s suddenly gone very wonky and we’re all feeling all different stuff, good and bad.

“But for two minutes everyday we call all share in some light relief and smile and share all of these happy feelings and a bit of community spirit – something that makes us all feel a little better.”

“That’s what it’s about,” said Jason, “just a moment to forget everything and party with the rest of Andover, but well within the guidelines.”

Jason has since started a Facebook page where other people getting involved with the craze can share their videos.

Go to Facebook and search 'Andover #Discolation' for more information.