Dudley Council and police leaders have thanked residents for staying at home over the Easter bank holiday weekend to curb the spread of Covid-19.

There were fears that people would be tempted outside by the pleasant weather over the four-day holiday, but leaders in the Dudley borough say the "vast majority" of people followed the rules and stayed at home to curb the spread of the virus.

Photos from Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge on Easter Saturday show the popular park deserted as people followed the rules to stay at home, a far cry from a typical bank holiday weekend.

Stourbridge News: Mary Stevens Park on Easter Saturday. Photo: Lewis Payne.Mary Stevens Park on Easter Saturday. Photo: Lewis Payne.

Thanking residents, Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "I was really pleased to see that the vast majority of people in the borough stayed at home over the Easter weekend.

"We realise these are difficult times, asking people to stay inside when the weather outside is so beautiful.

"But the vast majority of people who are following the government guidelines are quite literally helping to protect our NHS, and save lives.

"I would like to thank them and urge them to continue to stay at home where possible, and to use our parks and nature reserves sparingly and responsibly, so we can beat this together."

Police continue to patrol the borough to encourage people to comply with the restrictions and are issuing fines as a "last resort".

Sally Bourner, Chief Superintendent, Dudley Neighbourhood Policing Unit Commander, said: "I would like to add my thanks to the vast majority of people across our borough who continued to act responsibly in line with government restrictions over the recent Easter bank holiday weekend.

"Our officers are patrolling across our borough engaging with people, explaining the restrictions and encouraging people to comply, with enforcement being a last resort.

"We are working closely with Dudley Council and other partners to ensure everyone continues to play their part in complying which government restrictions which are in place to save lives and protect the NHS."

Himley Hall and Park is closed, but other parks and nature reserves are currently open as normal.