The organiser of Clap for Carers has said she thinks tonight's applause should be the last.

People up and down the UK first took to their doorsteps and windows on Thursday, March 26, clapping in honour of the NHS and other key workers risking their lives on the coronavirus frontline.

Should tonight's Clap for Carers be the last? Vote in our poll below.

Kent's first Clap for Carers

The response was overwhelming - applause could be heard across whole cities and towns and famous landmarks were lit up blue.

Initially planned as a one-off event, the British public later decided to make it a weekly activity, and have been showing their appreciation at 8pm every Thursday since.

Over the weeks, residents have been getting creative with their tributes to key workers, with pipers performing on Sheppey, trains tooting and wolves howling while people clap.

But now, the woman behind it, Annemarie Plas, has suggested tonight's clap - which will be the 10th - should be the last.

A bagpipe player salutes key workers

The Dutch national living in south London says she has been "overwhelmed" by the support for the ritual, but that it would be best to end it "at its peak".

She also feels the applause may have become too politicised.

Speaking to Sky News, Ms Plas said: "I think it's good to have the last of the series, because to have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak.

"Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised.

"I think the narrative is starting to change and I don't want the clap to be negative."

She suggests we could now make it– an annual event.

"A clap is something normal people can do, showing our appreciation," she added.

"But the power is not with us. We can give them respect but we are not signing the cheque - that falls on another desk.

"Stopping clapping doesn't mean we are not still appreciating them.

"Some people will still want to carry on, so they should. But we will stop and show our support in other ways - there are other initiatives we can support."

Many Kent residents agree it is time to end.

Sharon Stoute said: "I feel it has lost its meaning to be honest - the first three or four weeks were fine. Surely it's far better to show respect for the NHS by protecting yourselves from the virus, and isolating where possible so you don't overwhelm them? The big gatherings on beaches at the weekend shows no thought for anybody."

Elaine Simpson added: "I have clapped every week but I think key workers would rather us stay home, stay safe and keep the numbers down for the NHS. This is more important, and remembering the ones we have lost."

Charlie O'Conor fears if the applause continues for much longer, it could become insincere.

She said: "There's only so much thanks one can give before it becomes almost insincere. I prefer to thank folk when I actually see them, they're all brilliant."

Claire Ripley, who works for the NHS, says she has not clapped for around a month.

"Seeing a lot of people who have paid no attention to lockdown clapping undermines the whole thing plus the fireworks need to stop. Ensuring the government does not stop pay rises for nurses as suspected later in the year would be a better use of the community effort."

However, not everyone shares this view.

Jason Funnell said: "I feel sorry for all the doctors and nurses. They must feel like they are wasting their time when the beaches are so full. Keep clapping."

Joan Hodoge added, simply: "Carry on, it's not over yet."

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