Hundreds of thousands of people across Kent have once again taken to their doorsteps to applaud our hospital heroes.

For the second week in a row locked down communities joined forces at 8pm to show their appreciation for the medics on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus.

Landmarks across the county have also been illuminated blue as a sign of solidarity with the NHS.

Last week, there was a huge response to the first Clap For Our Carers event with clips shared online showing hoards of people cheering and even bashing pots and pans.

This week it proved just as popular with clapping sounding out across the county.

This was the scene in Postley Road, Maidstone as dozens of residents stood outside their homes to pay their respects.

Postley Road, Maidstone

Woolley Road, Maidstone

The movement, which was the brainchild of Dutch Londoner Annemarie Plas, garnered support from the national media and public figures after picture posters were circulated across social media platforms.

She said: "I hope that we can make this one as popular or even bigger."

The scene in Maidstone town centre

Among the public figures to give a big round of applause were Princess Charlotte and Princes George and Louis, and the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rishi Sunak did the same outside 10 Downing Street - two metres apart - the day before Mr Johnson tested positive for the virus.

Several landmarks across the county also lit up to show their support including Rochester Cathedral and the clock towers in Herne Bay and Gravesend. They joined te London Eye and Westminster Abbey.

Rochester Castle went blue at 8pm and had laser reminders projecting the words NHS and 8pm on the walls throughout the day.

A laser attached to a drone wrote NHS in the sky 60metres above Tunbridge Wells too.

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The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury was also lit up, casting a blue light over the city skyline.

And residents in Staplehurst turned their festive tree blue, to celebrate the brave efforts of emergency workers.

Blue Baubles were attached to a tree outside Deal Memorial Hospital too.

The lights went up on Friday and there are plans for blue lanterns to decorate the tree, found at The Parade.

Spain, France and the Netherlands have already taken part.

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