An 87-year-old grandfather has left hospital after coming through a two-week battle against coronavirus.

A photograph of Ewart Lockton leaving North Manchester General Hospital was posted on Facebook by his granddaughter Sophie Edwards.

Mr Lockton was pictured arm-in-arm with a smiling NHS worker while wearing a mask and using a walking frame.

He had been diagnosed with pneumonia after testing positive for COVID-19.

Ms Edwards said: "We all need to hear some positive stories...


"This is my 87-year-old grandpa saying goodbye to staff at North Manchester Hospital where he's been for two weeks with covid positive pneumonia.

"He's now finishing his recovery where he belongs, at home with my grandma!

"Thank you to everyone for all their kindness and support through a difficult time and most of all.....thanks to the NHS!!"

The Facebook post has been shared more than 80,000 times and liked nearly 100,000 times.

Royal children salute NHS carers

One Facebook user wrote: "What a refreshing start to my day, to see this horrible virus can be beaten."

Another simply added: "WELL DONE NHS."

Mr Lockton is now completing his recovery at home with his wife Phyllis.

On Friday, ministers asked local authorities to find homes for all rough sleepers by the weekend, as the Metropolitan Police asked recently retired officers to re-join during the crisis.

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More than 580 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus, with the number of recorded cases now at 11,658.