Our hardworking NHS staff have been given a UK-wide round of applause, as a token of our appreciation for their hard work in keeping us safe:

Footage from around the country shows people joining in with a huge round of applause from doorsteps, balconies and windows, with fireworks set off to celebrate our NHS workers.

The Clap for Carers campaign was started online and is a gesture of thanks to those who are working around the clock providing care during the coronavirus pandemic.

Event organisers said it was set up because throughout these ‘unprecedented times, they [NHS workers] need to know we are grateful’.

A statement on the event website, reads: “Our Goal – To get everyone to clap for everyone that works in the front line; doctors, nurses; GPs; pharmacists and EVERYONE related at the front line.

“I might not have included your title by name, sorry if that has happened. But we are really grateful for your hard work!”

The message was spread far and wide on social media over the last few days, via the hashtag #clapforourcarers and by sharing an online poster which gives more details.

The event received celebrity backing, with messages of support from the Gary Lineker, Beckhams, Piers Morgan and Chris Moyles.

Supermarkets, MPs, TV channels and even the government have supported the campaign.

Annemarie Plas, one of the Clap for Carers organisers, told Sky News: “It made me feel really warm inside that I wasn’t the only one that felt like that.

“It’s such a simple message and we take so many things for granted, and now all these freedoms and options are taken away from us, we start to realise [what we have]. It’s a good time to show how thankful we are.”