VIDEO: Former England goalie David Seaman pitches in to help reduce Covid-19 risk in Rotherham

The video is being broadcast on a digital display van touring streets and shopping centre car parks to promote new key messages in light of the very high alert level that came into force in South Yorkshire on Saturday.

The former England and Arsenal goalkeeper gave up his time to join the campaign after a phone call from his parents, who still live in the borough.

David, known as 'safe hands Seaman' during his career, said: "My mum asked me to do it, and you can't say no to your mum, can you?" 

"I've got a lot of great memories in Rotherham. It's a place I know is really friendly and people all love to go out. But trust me, this is going to be a long winter and we all need to get through this together, so stick to the rules."

His parents, Pam and Roger, added: "We know that it's important for people to do everything they can to stay safe, so when the council asked us if David would be involved, we were only too pleased to ask him." 

Rotherham Council leader, Cllr Chris Read, said: "The number one thing we've all got to do at the moment is to keep each other safe — so who is better placed to remind us than Rotherham's famous number one?

"We're at a critical point in this crisis and we need to encourage everyone to follow the guidance to get us to a point where the latest rules can be eased again. We really appreciated having the footballing legend that is David Seaman helping us to get the message out into the community." 

Further information about the very high Covid-19 alert level can be found via https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/coronavirus