WE may be days into our new reality of lockdown in the UK.

But in Italy, it began in early March.

Yet two sisters have devised plenty of ways to keep busy while school is shut – creating their guide to lockdown on their own YouTube channel.

Former Bridgewater High School student Amy Turner moved to Umbria in central Italy more than a decade ago with husband Andy.

They have two children, Chenin, 10, and Lois, six.

Since their school closed on March 4 they have not left their home. Italy is now the worst affected country in the world by coronavirus with more than 8,000 people having lost their lives.

Amy, who used to live in Lower Walton, said: "Like their friends, they haven't left home once since. Not to the nearest park, not to visit friends, not to one shop – literally not left home.

"They're lucky to have lots of outdoor space and have devised many ways of keeping themselves busy."

Warrington Guardian:

Amy with the children

Among those has been posting videos on the YouTube channel they launched before Christmas – and before the virus started to take control in China.

This one, above, tells of coping with life in lockdown and their tips for children across the world who are also at home for the foreseeable.

Amy added: "They have virtual school each day but they are learning so much. They have found some great learning aids on YouTube to help them and Chenin has even learnt how to sew a button on."

In the past three weeks, photographer Amy has been shopping to a large supermarket once and a small corner shop once.

Measures are more strict in Italy with people being allowed in the shops in small numbers.

Amy added:"The large supermarket was very orderly. 15 are allowed in at a time and there is a guy on the door arranging the one in one out system.

"The shelves are fully stocked but all non-essential items such as clothes / stationery are closed off. The small shop was 'one in at a time.' "We currently have rocket, spinach, asparagus in the veggie patch that we can eat and have beans planted. It's time to plant the tomatoes but that means going out to buy the plants as I don't have any seeds. I'm waiting for now."

Chenin and Lois, who are bilingual, have been helping their Italian schoolfriends learn English and decided to launch their YouTube channel in December to help all Italian children.

Amy added: "The channel is growing steadily especially since the Italian children have been at home. They are bilingual and the English kids might find them interesting even though obviously they can already speak English. Watching bilingualism in action is quite interesting. They are also considering a few simple Italian lessons for English children now that they're all stuck at home too."