An elderly couple seriously ill with coronavirus have been brought together by hospital staff so they could share their final days after 67 years together.

The couple, who are being treated at Royal Stoke University Hospital, were put next to each other so they could hold hands and listen to Glenn Miller, their favourite musician.

Scott Summerfield, who was part of the team which organised the gesture, tweeted: "A Couple on the ward dying from Covid. Been together for 67 years.

"We have rearranged the ward so they can be together & hold each others hands, we have put their favourite music on Glenn Miller so they can spend some quality last few hours together.

"Such an honour to be involved."

A Couple on the ward dying from Covid. Been together for 67 years. We have rearranged the ward so they can be together & hold each others hands, we have put their favourite music on Glenn Miller so they can spend some quality last few hours together. Such an honour to be involved

— Scott Summerfield (@ANPsummerfield) January 26, 2021

His tweet has been liked more than 213,000 times and has had more than 18,500 comments.

Mr Summerfield told one Twitter user that when the elderly man, who has not been named, was put next to his partner, he replied: "Now I'm in heaven."

The team's actions have received widespread praise on social media, which prompted Mr Summerfield to further tweet: "Had us all in tears. Was so sad but such an honour to be able to do thst (sic) for them. Will stay with me forever."

Michelle Rhodes, University Hospitals of North Midlands chief nurse, said: "We are proud of all our staff and the way they support families and relatives particularly during the end of life.

"This case highlights the compassionate care and dignity in death we provide to our patients and relatives day in day out, especially during a pandemic."