People across the country are being encouraged to put their hands together at 8pm tonight (Thursday) in a nationwide round of applause to honour NHS staff.

In a gesture of thanks to health service workers during the coronavirus pandemic, people have been invited to join a mass round of applause from doorsteps, windows and balconies at 8pm.

The organisers of the Clap For Our Carers campaign said the event is being staged because ‘during these unprecedented times, they need to know we are grateful’.

TV presenter Kate Garraway is among the famous names backing the event.

"We can come together and applaud at 8 o’clock, throw open our windows – however isolated we are – to thank NHS staff," she said.

A number of public buildings such as the Principality Stadium in Cardiff will be lit blue at the same time to show appreciation for the NHS.

The #lightitblue campaign has been organised by members of the events and entertainment industry to show appreciation for NHS staff.

Campaign co-founders Gary White and Chuck Crampton said the participating venues will use LED technology to create a flash of blue on facades and screens.

"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," they said in a statement.