ACROSS the country people yesterday said a special thank-you to thousands of everyday heroes on the first NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day.

And the town of Bishop Auckland hosted a range of activities as the Town Council led efforts to show gratitude to all NHS and frontline staff.

The NHS was launched on July 5, 1948 - bringing free healthcare to all.

It has been treasured every year since, but never more so than since March 2020 when the Coronavirus pandemic gripped the UK and changed everyone’s lives.

Bishop Auckland Town Council's celebrations started at 10am at Bishop Auckland General Hospital with a ceremony of thanks, which saw the NHS, social care and frontline workers flag raised.

In attendance were the Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Katie Eliot, Chief Executive Officer of Bishop Auckland General Hospital, Sue Jacques, and Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust,Jenny Flynn, along with frontline NHS staff.

This was followed at 11am with a salute, taken by the Queen's representative, the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon, followed by a two minutes silence to reflect and remember those from the NHS, social care and other key services who have lost their lives in the service of others.

The Last Post and Reveille was played by buglers from the 8th Rifles, of St Andrew's Road, Bishop Auckland. Colour Sergeant Chris Coxon, Lance Corporal Foster and Corporal Thompson were in attendance.

The Northern Echo:

Mrs Snowdon said: “All our lives have changed dramatically as a result of the terrible Covid-19 pandemic which has brought much sorrow and tragedy to many people.

"The NHS and all its wonderful, compassionate and caring staff have throughout done an amazing, remarkable job.

"They have shown such resilience during these difficult and challenging times, working tirelessly to ensure all in their care received the very best healthcare experience.

"Their dedication and commitment to all their patients has won the admiration and appreciation of the whole country, and today is our opportunity to thank each and every one of them for the service they have given.”

The national celebration included the #NHSBigTea to encourage frontline workers to recharge and take care of their mental health.

In support of that, Bishop Auckland Town Council provided ‘Big Tea’ hampers to Bishop Auckland General Hospital along with the three GP surgeries in the town.

The hampers will help to provide tea break essentials to almost 900 people across the four sites. The tea in the hampers was provided by the Community Champions at Morrisons Bishop Auckland.

Yesterday, hospital CEO, Sue Jacques, said: “It’s amazing to have Councillor Eliot here today on such an important day for the NHS, it’s 73rd Birthday.

"Today is an opportunity for us to recognise everything that has happened over the last 16 months, the tremendous effort that frontline workers have put in over that time and of course to acknowledge all those who have very sadly lost their lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The wider community joined the event, which saw schools and nursery children from across the town draw and paint pictures to decorate the windows of the Town Council Offices, and some have even held “rainbow clothes” days in support.

King James Women’s Institute crafted an intricate banner which can be seen in the window of Number42 in the Market Place.

The Auckland Project, which partnered with the town council for the event, also raised a celebration flag flying to show support across the town.

Businesses such as Just Like Grandmas and Sam Zair’s Café on Fore Bondgate, community groups like Bishop Auckland – the Big Neighbourhood Windowland trail and charities like Angel Trust all joined i with rainbow displays or flags, to give thanks and help bring the rainbows to Bishop Auckland.

The event holds a special significance for the new Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Councillor Katie Eliot as the fundraising for her year in office is to benefit County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust with a focus on Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

She said: “Being involved in the first annual NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day is really important to me as the NHS is very close to my heart.

"I believe it is important to give thanks for the work which the staff do and I am thrilled that so many members of the community have engaged with the celebration, through crafts, displays and our hampers.

"I hope we can grow these celebrations as a town to show our appreciation for the invaluable work which NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers do.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054