Sunderland's landmarks lit up in blue in support for NHS and social care workers leading coronavirus battle

From dusk on Tuesday, March 24, the National Trust-owned Penshaw Monument and Sunderland City Council’s Northern Spire bridge, Fulwell Mill, the White lighthouse at Seaburn, Keel Square and High Street West were bathed in blue as a thank you.

Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Graeme Miller, said: “It’s only right that as a nation we should pay tribute to the NHS and care workers working tirelessly to save lives and lead the national fight back against this killer pandemic.

"They’re doing an incredible job in the most challenging of circumstances and we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

"Lighting our landmarks and features is a small but symbolic act of the enormous gratitude the people of Sunderland have for everything they're doing to protect us and our loved ones."

Click here for an interactive map of the outbreak and its impact on Sunderland

Mick Wilkes, National Trust general manager for Washington Old Hall, Penshaw Monument and Gibside said: "Penshaw Monument is a familiar and comforting sight to many people in the North East and we are proudly lighting up the monument to show our support and gratitude to the wonderful NHS and frontline staff for all that they are doing for the region in these challenging times.”

The display ran until dawn, except at Seaburn lighthouse where the lights went off at 10.30pm and Northern Spire where they went down at midnight.