A grandad from Bury St Edmunds has learnt a new skill to help him reconnect with his grandchildren during the lockdown — by playing popular Xbox game Fortnite.

Phillip Christey, along with his wife Penny, are both in their mid-50s and have been enjoying learning to play the video game with their three grandchildren.

Cobey, 10, Oakley, aged eight, and younger sister Eliza, aged six, have been teaching their grandparents to play the game with the help of Facetime.

East Anglian Daily Times: Phillip Christey with his three grandchildren Eliza, Cobey and Oakley.Phillip Christey with his three grandchildren Eliza, Cobey and Oakley. (Image: Hannah Sweeney)

They live in Diss with their parents Hannah and Rob Sweeney, and like millions of others they have been unable to see their grandparents face-to-face during the pandemic.

Usually, they would stay with them every other weekend, but due to the restrictions they have been forced to stay connected online.

Ahead of Father's Day this weekend, Mrs Sweeney said father-in-law Phillip has been "amazing", and wanted to share her adoration for everything he has done this Father's Day.

East Anglian Daily Times: Phillip and Penny Christey (middle), with youngest son Ryan (far left), and son Rob (far right) with wife Hannah Sweeney. They are pictured with their three grandchildren Eliza, Oakley and Cobey.Phillip and Penny Christey (middle), with youngest son Ryan (far left), and son Rob (far right) with wife Hannah Sweeney. They are pictured with their three grandchildren Eliza, Oakley and Cobey. (Image: Hannah Sweeney)

She said: "Phillip has been amazing during the lockdown. Him and Penny have even learnt to play Fortnite so they can play online with the kids.

"They normally see the kids every other weekend, so it has been really hard for them and a big change not seeing them for months on end.

"We are so thankful for what they do for us. They give myself and Rob time to be people as well as parents."

Phillip works for DFS in Bury St Edmunds, and Mrs Sweeney said he is an "incredible" father-in-law and grandad to their three children.

She said: "Phillip and Penny have been the most amazing in-laws and even better grandparents. They are always there through any storm or rainbow and I am eternally grateful to have the most amazing in-laws a girl could ask for.

East Anglian Daily Times: Phillip Christey, who has been thanked by daughter-in-law Hannah Sweeney this Father's Day, and wife Penny Christey.Phillip Christey, who has been thanked by daughter-in-law Hannah Sweeney this Father's Day, and wife Penny Christey. (Image: Hannah Sweeney)

"They have been a huge help over the last year, buying books and sending them to the children during lockdown, and making sure we are always stocked up with food.

"They are amazing and we can't thank them enough."

East Anglian Daily Times: Phillip Christey has learn to play Fortnite with his grandchildren to stay in touch during the lockdown.Phillip Christey has learn to play Fortnite with his grandchildren to stay in touch during the lockdown. (Image: Hannah Sweeney)