Southend seafront has been lit up blue in honour of the borough's NHS staff and social workers, in support of the national Clap for our Carers movement.

The light podiums along City Beach have been changed from the normal multi-coloured lighting to blue, to honour the care workers who continue deliver much needed care during the coronavirus outbreak.

The lights were changed to coincide with Clap for our Carers, a social media campaign encouraging people to stand on their doorstep or by an open window and clap at 8pm tonight (March 26), to let the country's NHS staff and social workers know how much they are appreciated.

Councillor Ian Gilbert, leader of the council, said: “Local carers are literally putting their lives on the line to keep others safe, healthy and help them survive coronavirus. They continue to look after others who are ill with other serious or long term conditions.

“We, the general public cannot do much at this moment in time to express our thanks for the hard work and commitment of these key workers. Changing the lights is the council’s small way of joining the Clap for our Carers and showing our gratitude for their ongoing duty, loyalty and compassion, along with also recognising the work of our own social workers and other staff working on the frontline.”