THE bells at St Mary's Church in Burnham-on-Crouch will peal 73 times at 8pm this evening (Monday, 5 July) to mark the first Key Workers Day and celebrate the 73 years of the NHS.

People across the country are being urged to repeat the doorstep clap of the pandemic at 8pm on this one day each year to celebrate and remember the contribution of NHS, social acre and other key frontline workers.

This year, churches and cathedrals up and down the land will be joining in the bell ringing to mark the occasion.

St Mary's Churchwarden, Jeremy Cousins, said: "Today, Monday 5th July, marks the 73rd birthday of the NHS. This past year or so has been challenging for all those working in the NHS, social care and frontline services.

"St Mary's Church in Burnham is proud to join other churches across the United Kingdom in ringing a 73 bell peal at 8pm to mark this special occasion and we encourage everyone to show support for all those who continue to fight this pandemic and its impact both national and locally."