NHS workers to be thanked with nationwide round of applause

In a gesture of thanks to the frontline healthcare heroes, everyone across the nation has been invited to join a a mass round of applause from their doorsteps, windows and balconies on Thursday at 8pm.

The Clap For Carers campaign, which started online, is being staged because "during these unprecedented times they need to know we are grateful", according to the organisers.

The Wembley Arch, the Principality Stadium, the Royal Albert Hall and Lincoln Cathedral are said to be among some of the landmarks which are set to be lit up in blue during the salute.

It is part of the #lightitblue campaign which has been organised by members of the events and entertainment industry as a way to say thank you.

Chris Moyles and Kate Garraway are among the presenters who have said they are backing the event.

Radio X presenter Moyles rallied his listeners to "make some noise for the thousands and thousands of people (in the NHS) that we'll probably never meet, just to say 'thank you' for everything they are doing for us" with a powerful message.

Gary White and Chuck Crampton, who jointly started the #lightitblue campaign, said that all venues will use existing LED technology to create a flash of blue on facades and screens.

It means that people at different venues will be able to show their support while staying at home in line with current Government advice during the pandemic.

In a statement, they said: "The events and entertainment industry finds itself in an unprecedented state of enforced inaction.

"The best thing we can do - apart from staying at home - is to use our skills and networks to say thank you to everyone who is supporting the NHS and risking their own health to help others during this pandemic."