THE city united last night in a display of solidarity and support for the NHS.

Some Brighton and Hove residents leaned from their windows while others took to the streets to applaud healthcare workers across the UK as they work tirelessly, fighting on the frontline in the war against coronavirus.

The Clap for Carers tribute took place at 8pm yesterday.

>>>READ MORE: Keep up-to-date with all the latest coronavirus news in Sussex here

In some areas, fireworks filled the sky and cheers echoed through the air as people made their appreciation heard for the hard work of hospital staff

One healthcare worker, on a late shift, filmed from the top floor of the Royal Sussex County Hospital as the clock struck eight and Brighton’s Kemp Town erupted into applause.

In Hove, a  tannoy announcement in the Tesco superstore urged customers to join staff in clapping for the NHS, while the front doors of houses in nearby streets were flung open as residents stood in their doorways and joined the celebrations.

“This is history, one day we will tell our grandchildren that we all came out into our front gardens and to our windows to applaud the incredible work the NHS do,” one man told his neighbour from a distance of three metres.

The Royal Family and Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took part in the event, and fellow emergency services staff such as police and firefighters stopped for just a moment to congratulate their peers.

A fundraiser is now trying to collect £1 million, which will be used to support NHS staff.

The GoFundMe page, called The Big NHS Thank You, has already raised almost £1,000 despite only being started late last night.

Founder Rachel Weekes said: “We opened our front doors to clap and cheer for the amazing carers in the UK, selflessly going to work to care for the rising numbers of patients suffering from Covid-19 that has turned the world upside down. 

“It was fuelled with emotion as the adoration of the British public towards our fantastic NHS was evident.

“In a time where we are encouraged to isolate, it seems that isolation is bringing society closer together.  

“We have seen many acts of kindness from businesses across the land, showing their support for those on the front lines. 

“This fund is being set up so that the Great British public can show their appreciation for the amazing humans in the NHS. A way to say thank you to our NHS heroes.

“The fund will go directly to the NHS workers so they can see how much we appreciate what they do for us.

“Please give what you can to recognise our fabulous NHS, made fabulous because of all  the heroes that work for it.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund