A MASS round of applause across the nation will take place this evening to honour the hardworking NHS staff who are trying to battle coronavirus on the frontlines.

As a gesture of thanks to the frontline healthcare heroes, everyone across the UK has been invited to join the mass applause from their doorsteps, windows and balconies at 8pm tonight, March 26.

The 'Clap for Carers' campaign was started on social media, set up because "during these unprecedented times, they need to know that we are grateful," according to the organisers.

The person behind the campaign wrote on its website: "In Spain, France and the Netherlands they already did this. And being a Dutch Londoner, I want to pass this on in the country I feel so at home, and the NHS had been nothing but amazing to my family and myself!"

The Wembley Arch, the Principality Stadium, the Royal Albert Hall and Lincoln Cathedral are said to be among some of the landmarks which are set to be lit up in blue during the salute.

It is part of the #lightitblue campaign which has been organised by members of the events and entertainment industry as a way to say thank you.

Gary White and Chuck Crampton, who jointly started the #lightitblue campaign, said that all venues will use existing LED technology to create a flash of blue on facades and screens.

It means that people at different venues will be able to show their support while staying at home in line with current Government advice during the pandemic.

In a statement, they 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."