A County Durham MP has defended his decision to attend a war veteran’s 100th birthday party during lockdown.

North Durham MP Kevan Jones attended the birthday party of Second World War veteran Frederick Herron at the event in Quaking Houses, near Stanley on May 10.

Originally meant to take place outside, the event was moved to a nearby hall due to heavy rain.

The politician has come under fire from social media users saying he broke the coronavirus lockdown rules and was not adhering to social distancing guidelines after being seen on a video at the event.

Mr Jones said: “I would like to assure everyone that this was well organised to ensure that social distancing could be maintained and that only a very limited number of people would be there and everyone’s hands were sanitized as they entered the building.

“I understand that a video has been shared that was taken from an angle that does not illustrate the distances between myself and other people at the event.

“ Can I give the reassurance that social distancing was maintained although people from the same household were able to sit together.”

Mr Jones said that it is understood advice was taken from the police before the event took place and local officers were in attendance to ensure social distancing was carried out, allowing the celebration to go ahead safely.

He added: “Rest assured, I do take the need for social distancing seriously.

“Throughout this crisis, I have been heartened by the efforts across our local communities to support those most in need.

“In addition to dealing with constituents’ problems, I have also been volunteering with local groups, with tasks ranging from delivering meals and shopping to tending to the grave of the wife of an elderly constituent who has been self-isolating as part of the critically vulnerable group.”

Mayor of Stanley Coun Carole Hampson, who helped organise the event, said they only wanted to show their appreciation to the war veteran.

She added: “It was only due to the inclement weather on that day a last minute decision had to be made, the large sports hall was used with seating set out to adhere to social distancing only families from the same household sat together. I can assure you all doors and surfaces were sanitised before and after, as I personally did that job.

“There was a table as you entered the building with hand sanitiser, wipes, tissues and gloves if you wanted them.

“There was also plenty of hot water and soap available in the toilets. Everyone pulled together to make this small and limited celebration happen.”

There was no food or drink served and people left straight after, she added, with social distancing adhered to throughout the celebration.

She added: “I am still working within my constituency on a daily basis helping people in need with food, shopping and delivering pamper packs to elderly.

“We had lots of lovely comments from those who were able to attend. It saddens me to think people pull together to try and do something nice for someone and something positive then the bubble gets burst by someone who was not even present to see for themselves exactly what measures were in place.

“I truly felt our war veteran deserved some happiness and recognition.”