The Town Hall has turned blue to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the NHS before the nation comes together one last time to say thank you.

People will be encouraged to clap at 5pm on Sunday to thank the NHS staff who have worked throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative follows the success of the weekly Clap for Carers, and it is hoped the applause will become an annual tradition.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has met NHS workers in the Number 10 garden this afternoon, while public buildings including Watford Town Hall was lit up blue in tribute to the health service.

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor tweeted: “Our Town Hall has been lit up in blue to mark the 72nd birthday of the NHS and to honour the memory of all those in our town who have lost their lives to this awful virus.

“The sacrifice of our NHS staff at our hospital ahs been remarkable over the last few months.”

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Friday, Mr Johnson urged the public to clap for "those who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to help the nation get through this pandemic".

On Saturday, people observed a minute's silent and lit candles in remembrance of those who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.

The nationwide clap has been organised following a letter from the Together coalition, in which influential figures including NHS chief executive Sir Simon Stevens and the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby voiced their support for making July 5 an official day of commemoration.

Sir Simon said he hoped the public will use the anniversary as an opportunity to "say a heartfelt thank you" to hospital staff.