Whitehorse Manor Junior School lit up in blue as a ‘thank you’ to the great staff of the NHS.

The first week saw polite applause. On the second Thursday at 8pm, we heard clapping, banging pots and pans, car horns and dogs barking their appreciation.  Some residents also displayed blue lights in recognition of NHS staff.

Delivery drivers, supermarket staff, care workers and bin collectors were among those honoured.  Emergency and NHS workers also joined in the applause including firefighters in Croydon.

One local doctor Ahmed Hankir, posted on Twitter his gratitude at Thursday’s #clapforcarers: “This was very touching neighbours in Thornton Heath in London clapping for our NHS heroes. I was clapping and cheering too!

“I still can’t believe that people were clapping for us. That I was clapping for our NHS heroes and for me. Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart.”

Midwives on the maternity wing at Croydon University hospital lightened the mood by dancing in a video which has gone viral on TikTok!

Staff at the Thornton Heath hospital, have also been grateful for the generosity of local businesses who have been supplying them with hot meals.

The midwives danced to rapper Drake’s ‘Toosie Slide’  challenge on TikTok which is about sliding from the left to the right! 

Lauren Penfold posted: “The two at the front of the video were my midwife’s in November. Lovely ladies and always happy. Keep going girls.”

Robert Bond messaged: “Come on Croydon show em how it’s done.”

Stephanie Kim Foli said: “Don’t they make you feel proud! Smiling, happy and messing about in these very difficult times is just what we all need. Thank you NHS.”

•CPFC is also supporting the NHS effort with its Selhurst Park ground being used for blood donations with donors classed as ‘travelling for an emergency’.