BUILDINGS across the Bradford district have been lit up to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

Bradford’s City Hall clock tower will be lit NHS blue this weekend to celebrate the anniversary and Airedale General Hospital, Bradford Teaching Hospital Foundation Trust buildings, Margaret McMillan Tower and Forster Square arches will also be lit blue on Saturday along with many other national landmarks across England.

Special decorations at Lynfield Mount Hospital, Airedale Centre for Mental Health and the NHS offices at New Mill in Saltaire were also on display this weekend.

The lighting was installed by Yorkshire Electrical Services and was captured for posterity by photographer Michael Robinson.

The NHS’s birthday is on Sunday and this year’s anniversary will be one of remembrance and thanks.

The symbolic lighting will help people in the district remember those who have died across the country during the coronavirus pandemic, particularly NHS staff.

It is also a way to say thank-you to all the people and organisations who have supported the NHS during these difficult times

This includes care homes and care workers who have also made significant contributions to look after more vulnerable people in the community and the many volunteers who have helped during the pandemic. They have allowed the NHS to focus on those with the greatest medical need.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “This year’s anniversary is particularly poignant and enables us to thank the doctors, nurses, carers, volunteers and other NHS workers who have helped keep us as safe as possible in the district during these unprecedented times.

“They have worked tirelessly to keep services open and running as effectively as they can in partnership with council, community and health organisations.

“While we remember those loved ones who have been affected, or have died, from the coronavirus, we can also be proud of the efforts of those in the district who have worked hard to help us all in our hour of need.”

The lighting up of City Hall on Saturday is also a chance to remember those who have died from Covid-19 as part of campaign by /together, a coalition of community groups and some of the UK’s best-known organisations.

/together is encouraging people to put a light in their window on the evening of July 4 to remember those we have lost.

On Sunday, at 5pm, they want everyone to applaud not just the NHS and other key workers but all those who have volunteered or helped keep services and community networks going. Then, following the applause, they want people to raise a glass, mug or cup to thank friends, family and neighbours for looking out for each other.

For more information visit www.together.org.uk.