Congleton's Town Hall will be lit up blue to provide a moment of remembrance and reflection ahead of the NHS' birthday.

On Sunday (July 5th), the NHS turns 72 – amid the greatest test in its lifetime. To mark the milestone, NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group is saying "thank you" to the GPs, health and care professionals, key workers and volunteers who have supported the people of Cheshire throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) response.

They also want to thank the people of Cheshire for the sacrifices they have made to help support the NHS and local communities.

Accountable Officer Clare Watson said: "In recent months the Cheshire NHS – in partnership with local authorities and many other partners and supporters – has stepped up in ways never seen before to deliver services differently during lockdown.

"Quite simply, this could not have been achieved without the commitment, skill and flexibility of Cheshire's health and care workers.

"But the unprecedented challenge facing the NHS would also have been made all but impossible without the support of countless other people – the key workers who have kept the county going, the volunteers who have supported our most vulnerable and the people of Cheshire too, who have embraced lockdown measures to help protect the NHS."

On Saturday evening (July 4th ), national landmarks will be lit up blue to provide a moment of remembrance and reflection ahead of the birthday.

Then, at 5pm on Sunday (July 5th ) there will be a nationwide "pause for applause" to applaud not only the NHS and other key workers but all those who have volunteered or helped keep services and community networks going.

Clare Watson added: "For months people stepped outside their homes every Thursday evening to clap their support for carers, key workers and the NHS. So it's only fitting that – to mark the 72nd birthday of the NHS – we now say thank you back.

"We would therefore like to take this moment to say a heartfelt 'thank you' to everyone who has helped Cheshire's response to Covid-19. Both for the unprecedented sacrifices made so far and the continuing efforts to come.

"You helped us to help you, the community we are here to serve."

Congleton Town Council regularly lit up the Town Hall blue during the weekly Clap for Carers, which was a mark of respect and appreciation for all the incredibly hard working NHS staff who are on the front line of the fight against Coronavirus.