Dudley Council is backing a national day of celebration this weekend to mark the birthday of the NHS.

The milestone is on Sunday 5th July, which will be exactly 72 years since the National Health Service was created in 1948.

On Saturday, the evening before, people will be asked to put a light in their windows in remembrance of those who have lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stourbridge Town Hall and Himley Hall will be lit up in blue and green on Saturday night. Dudley Council House will be lit up in blue and green on Saturday and Sunday night as will Dudley town centre, which will be bathed in different shades of blue light.

The council house, in Priory Road, is currently flying a rainbow thank you flag for NHS and key workers and that will continue to fly up to and on Sunday. A flag will also be flown at Dudley Town Hall and Stourbridge Town Hall.

Council bosses are also urging borough residents to join in with applause for one final Clap for Carers set to take place at 5pm on Sunday. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

“As a council, we fully support any plans to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the NHS this weekend. It has shown during these unprecedented times that it is indeed our greatest institution.

“This milestone gives us the opportunity to recognise the incredible selflessness and bravery of our NHS, social care and frontline workers who continue to risk their lives fighting coronavirus.

“We will continue flying the rainbow flag and will have several prominent council buildings lit up in blue and green, and I look forward to joining in with a final Clap for Carers as a chance for us all to say thank you.”