RESIDENTS across the borough are encouraged to open doors and windows at 8pm tonight (Thursday) and applaud to show their appreciation for the work being done on the frontline to fight coronavirus.

Dudley Council bosses are backing the national “Clap for Carers” initiative in addition to lighting up Dudley Council House and Himley Hall every night in blue and green to highlight the life-saving work of NHS staff, social care staff and key workers during the coronavirus crisis.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley's cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: "Our staff are on the front line of this epidemic – especially social care workers and the agencies commissioned by the council.

"Our nurses, doctors, care workers and emergency services, along with everyone else in the NHS, are doing an incredible job on the frontline to fight this horrible virus.

"Two of our most prominent buildings continue to be lit up in blue and green every night, as a clear sign that we as a council appreciate everything they are doing to help us.

"I will also be joining in with the nationwide Clap for Carers at 8pm and I would encourage all the residents in the borough to do so as well.

"They are modern day heroes – and they need to know how much we appreciate all they are doing."