A SMALL gesture will sweep the country for those NHS key workers on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus.

To show their support, residents across the UK will stand on their doorsteps at 8pm March 26 and clap their hands in appreciation.

Barbara Masters said she will be taking part, adding: "My daughter Molly works in Wellfield Residential Home and is only 21, my mum Margaret is 85 and a resident in Wepre Villa and my boyfriends sister is lead nurse in Morfa Newydd in Greenfield.

"ALL of these front line staff deserve our thanks for looking after and caring for our loved ones at such a scary time."

Alexia Mayers will also be taking part.

She told the Leader: "I have family who are mental health/community nurses in Liverpool and I know what pressure they are under. The Staff are always the last to admit when they are struggling and they always put others first, even when people are shouting at them and their getting flack for everywhere. They really are Angels among us."

Jeannette Williams added: "I will be clapping as well as my daughter and husband to show our appreciation to the NHS staff, all over the country.

"They are doing such a fantastic job and we all wish them the very best and we WILL come out of this at the other end. Stay Safe people."

The UK will also turn into a beacon of blue at 8pm tonight as sporting and entertainment venues and landmarks are illuminated - to honour the NHS.

As a salute to the NHS and the courageous efforts of everyone involved in the nation’s healthcare system, places including the Royal Albert Hall and Lincoln Cathedral will turn blue.

Trending on social media is the #clapforourcares campaing and the #lightitblue campaign.

The #lightitblue campaign has been organised by a collective of leaders from the events and entertainment industry to show a simultaneous display of gratitude for those working tirelessly to look after Britons who are ill with COVID-19.

All #lightitblue venues will use existing LED technology to create the spontaneous flash of blue on facades and screens to ensure the campaign adheres to the critical message from the British Government for people to stay at home.

Gary White, who co-started the #lightitblue campaign, 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.

“We also feel a huge sense of responsibility for the mental wellbeing of many people within our industry who, having lost their jobs, are feeling anxious and confused about the future.

“We believe the #lightitblue campaign, inspired by the existing #clapforourcarers initiative, will galvanise their enthusiasm and pride in a mass gesture of solidarity.”

The campaign also invites Brits to join in at home by creating blue-themed images and videos and sharing them online with #makeitblue, and challenging others to follow suit.

People can take part while staying safe indoors, by painting their bodies blue, wearing blue accessories or turning their social media backgrounds blue.

Anyone who is taking part please send in your pictures and videos to us at the Leader!