This is why tonight's national Clap for Our Carers will be the last one

The national round of applause, which began in March, encourages people to offer a huge round of applause for frontline workers during the coronavirus crisis.

And it has become a part of lockdown life, with tens of thousands of people taking part in the project from their doorsteps, driveways and balconies.

In Wakefield, thousands of people have taken part in the weekly event, with bus drivers, fire fighters and more joining in with cheers and applause outside Pinderfields Hospital.

But its founder says tonight's round of applause should be the last, and wants to see Clap for Our Carers become an annual event instead.

Annemarie Plas, who lives in South London but is originally from the Netherlands, launched Clap for Our Carers at the start of lockdown after seeing a similar thing happening on a Dutch WhatsApp group.

Since the first round of applause on March 26, she has seen the event spiral to a national campaign.

Wakefield's Town Hall was even lit blue in tribute to frontline NHS workers.

But this week's round of applause, the tenth in a row, should be the last, she has said.

On the Clap for Our Carers website, Annemarie said: "For nine weeks the community clap has become a huge televised event every Thursday at 8pm, but the final applause (for now) is upon us.

"Thursday 28th May 2020 marks the tenth national applause and will be the end in the current run, as lockdown begins to be eased.

"Clap For Our Our Carers will continue to evolve its vision, with plans including an annual national event – Clap For Our Carers Day – taking place on 25th March 2021 (one year on from the first applause).

"Thank you to everyone over the last ten weeks who has got involved and shown their support for our frontline NHS workers and key workers, or indeed are themselves frontline NHS workers and key workers. We applaud you all!"