Preston applauds city's heroes as 'Clap for Carers' returns under new name

At 8pm on Thursday (December 7), hundreds of families emerged briefly from self-isolation to celebrate everyone who has played their part through the pandemic as the country enters a third lockdown.People all over the UK took part in the weekly Clap for Carers during the first national lockdown, standing on doorsteps every Thursday night to thank key workers for their hard work.

Members of the Royal Family and politicians including Prime Minister Boris Johnson also joined in with the show of support.

The weekly round of applause came to an end in May last year, but - with England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all currently in their own respective lockdowns - the campaign has returned.

This time, the movement has updated its name to widen its message and to recognise all those who have played a role in the fight against COVID-19.

Founder Annemarie Plas said she hoped the initiative would "lift the spirit of all of us" including "all who are pushing through this difficult time".

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