Clap For Our Carers: Residents across the Portsmouth region mark the third night of applauding healthcare workers

The public applause is part of The Clap For Our Carers campaign, which was launched on Thursday March 26, intending to show the nation’s appreciation for the doctors, nurses, consultants, carers, cleaners and porters for their role in the ongoing fight against the virus.

The applause last night saw residents, fire crews, police officers, and ferry boat staff take part – as well as 13-month-old Freddie Churchill, in Langstone House, in Lockerley Road, Havant.

Freddie’s father, Brad, said: ‘We were outside on the balcony clapping and he wanted to join in.

‘It’s a brilliant idea.

‘Half the tower were out clapping – someone was sounding a horn.

‘I hope it continues.’

In Southsea, 98-year-old John Castleton played his part in the nationwide clap for healthcare workers.

The Grosvenor House resident said: ‘It's a very good idea.

'It's something for the kids to latch on to.'

His daughter, Joanne White, 60, said she thought NHS staff had not received enough appreciation before the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: 'I don't think the NHS was thanked enough before the crisis.

'It makes you realise what we've got in this country - we are very lucky.’

Her husband, David White, 56, said the public appreciation left him overwhelmed with emotion.

He said: ‘It shows our support for those in the front line.

‘I'm choked up and very proud.

‘We can't thank them enough.’

On the seafront in Southsea, Hover Travel Ltd staff joined in with two ferries on the beach sounding their horns, while police teams patrolling Eastney and Milton went to St Mary's Hospital to applaud staff – who returned the gesture by clapping from the windows of the hospital.

Politicians also showed their support, with Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan writing a letter of thanks to 50 local care providers on behalf of of the community.

In tweet posted before the applause, he said: ‘As our city and country prepares to #ClapForOurCarers tonight, I’ve written out to over 50 local social care providers to show our appreciation here in #Portsmouth. Thank you all for what you’re doing to keep the most vulnerable safe and well.’

Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt took part alongside residents on her street.

She tweeted: ‘Another noisy evening on my street. Nation so grateful for those in the frontline.’

Video edited by Habibur Rahman