Watch as emergency services clap for carers at Seaham's Tommy statue

Police officers, firefighters and dozens of members of the public joined heath staff at the town’s seafront to salute those who are putting their lives on the line in the fight against coronavirus.

Applause was mixed with the sounds of sirens and flashing blue lights from emergency service vehicles parked around the green during the salute last night, Thursday, April 23..

People across Sunderland, South Tyneside and East Durham took to the streets to show their support for NHS staff and care home workers as part of the weekly national event.

Other highlights of last night’s tribute included nuns from St Anthony’s Convent of Mercy in Ashbrooke singing in the street at the gates of their building in Tunstall Road and X Factor winner Joe McElderry serenading staff at South Tyneside District Hospital.

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