APPLAUSE for key workers has now become a regular public event with the second taking place this week.

Every Thursday at 8pm residents living in the lockdown take to the streets to show their support for essential workers.

Residents clap, sing and cheer to thank those who are holding up the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In Barrow thousands opened their front doors and joined celebrities including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Daniel Craig and the Royal Family to applaud carers who have been going above and beyond.

Ship horns from Barrow Docks and fireworks were also heard during the first few minutes after 8pm.

Delivery drivers, supermarket staff and bin collectors were also among those honoured by the nation.

Households gathered on balconies, doorsteps and gardens to pay tribute to the efforts of key workers during the crisis.

Young Riley Gregg took his tuba out on the doorstep to join in the event.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron, who also took part in Thursday's applause,said: “Our local care workers are unsung heroes and are very much at the forefront of the efforts to fight coronavirus."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson - who is currently self-isolating in his flat above Number 11 Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus - joined in, standing alone in his doorway to applaud.

The initiative was devised by Annemarie Plas, from Brixton, south-west London, who was inspired by same event happening in her home country of the Netherlands, and in many other countries.

Landmark buildings, including Barrow Town Hall and the Sir John Barrow Monument, were lit up blue as a sign of solidarity.

Elsewhere, the Shard in central London and Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, were also illuminated blue to mark the moment.

The event is now expected to happen every Thursday at 8pm.