Dudley Council is backing a national day of celebration next month 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.

Dudley Council House, in Priory Road, is currently flying a rainbow thank you flag for NHS and key workers. It is also being lit up in blue and green every night to mark the contribution of NHS, care staff and key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The flag will continue to fly up to and on July 5 and the building will be lit up – and council bosses are also urging borough residents to join in with applause for one final Clap for Carers. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"As a council, we fully support any plans to celebrate the 72nd birthday of the NHS next month. 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 lighting up the council house, and I look forward to joining in with a final Clap for Carers as a chance for us all to say thank you."