Last clap for NHS and keyworkers includes a Spitfire fly-past

Saffron Walden Reporter: Fire chief Paul Curtis (left) leads his crew in the final clap for carers at Radwinter Road Community Hospital. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHYFire chief Paul Curtis (left) leads his crew in the final clap for carers at Radwinter Road Community Hospital. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)

The 10th and final clap to thank NHS and keyworkers took place in Saffron Walden saw a special tribute from The Fire and Rescue Service and a fly-past by a Spitfire.

Firefighters at the town’s fire station formed fire hoses into a giant heart shape outside Saffron Walden Community Hospital.

Station officer Paul Curtis said: “We though that was appropriate because this is our local NHS.”

No sirens were put on the engines as they didn’t want to worry any of the elderly patients in the hospital.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Spitfire PL 983 from Historic Flying, Duxford, gave a flypast to thank the NHS at the end of the Clap. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHYSpitfire PL 983 from Historic Flying, Duxford, gave a flypast to thank the NHS at the end of the Clap. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)

Nurses at the hospital- Sam, Tash, Melanie and Amanda- came out to show their appreciation for the thank you.

Mr Blobby aka Anthony Bonelli also arrived.

As the clap came to an end, a Spitfire PL983 from Historic Flying at Duxford flew a close pass above the hospital, with the message on the underwings THANKS NHS.

The plane flew over Whittlesford, Sawston, Saffron Walden, Fowlmere and nearby villages before returning to Duxford.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Mr Blobby (aka Anthony Bonelli) arrived to provide a light moment for nurses Melanie and Amanda at the end of the clap. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHYMr Blobby (aka Anthony Bonelli) arrived to provide a light moment for nurses Melanie and Amanda at the end of the clap. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)

Melanie Grout, a sister in outpatients at Radwinter Hospital, said: “It was nice because we felt supported. We looked forward to it and it made me proud of my profession.”

Saffron Walden Reporter: Medics Sam, Tash, Melanie and Amanda share a happy moment during the final clap. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHYMedics Sam, Tash, Melanie and Amanda share a happy moment during the final clap. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Fire crews set out some equipment to honour the NHS. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHYFire crews set out some equipment to honour the NHS. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Fire crews set out some equipment to honour the NHS. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHYFire crews set out some equipment to honour the NHS. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Spitfire PL 983 from Historic Flying, Duxford, gave a flypast to thank the NHS at the end of the Clap. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHYSpitfire PL 983 from Historic Flying, Duxford, gave a flypast to thank the NHS at the end of the Clap. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)

Saffron Walden Reporter: Fire crews set out some equipment to honour the NHS. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHYFire crews set out some equipment to honour the NHS. Picture: CELIA BARTLETT PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Copyright © 2020 Celia Bartlett Photography. All rights reserved)