Landmarks across Sunderland are being lit blue in a symbolic show of support for the NHS and social care workers.

The National Trust owned Penshaw Monument, and Sunderland City Council’s Northern Spire bridge, Fulwell Mill, the White lighthouse at Seaburn, Keel Square and High Street West, are all being lit blue as a mark of the gratitude of the nation, the city council says.

‘It’s only right that as a nation we should pay tribute to the NHS and social care workers working tirelessly to save lives and lead the national fight back against this killer pandemic,’ said leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Graeme Miller.

‘They’re doing an incredible job in the most challenging of circumstances and we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

‘Lighting our landmarks and features is a small but symbolic act of the enormous gratitude the people of Sunderland have for everything they're doing to protect us and our loved ones.’

Mick Wilkes, National Trust general manager for Gibside, Washington Old Hall and Penshaw Monument commented: ‘Penshaw Monument is a familiar and comforting sight to many people in the North East and we are proudly lighting up the monument to show our support and gratitude to the wonderful NHS and frontline staff for all that they are doing for the region in these challenging times.’