It is an iconic landmark instantly recognisable to residents across Basingstoke.

And now, the Festival Place tower is set to stay illuminated blue to honour the NHS.

It comes after it was lit up last night as part of the 8pm Clap For Carers round of applause which took place around the country.

The Gazette understands it will remain blue for the time being, as the country is currently on lockdown amid the Covid-19 crisis.

It comes as six people being treated at Hampshire Hospitals have died after contracting coronavirus.

Staff at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital are working around the clock to treat Covid-19 patients, with visiting now banned except in exceptional circumstances.

Last night, in a perfect sequence of unison, residents across Basingstoke and surrounding villages took to their doorsteps and windows on Thursday night to give a heartfelt round of applause for the NHS and careworkers across the country.

The sound of applause rang out from Brighton Hill to Tadley to Old Basing to Worting and beyond.

Basingstoke police and firefighters also got involved and recorded videos of them taking part in the applause to social media.

Staff at Festival Place who have remained working to provide services such as take-out food stood on the roof of the shopping centre.

Neil Churchill, centre director, said: “As part of the Light It Blue and NHS Clap for Our Carers campaigns, Festival Place, Basingstoke lit its landmark tower in blue lights.

“The blue lights represent our immense thanks and gratitude to the NHS, all its workers, their incredible hard work and sacrifices throughout the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to and proud of our operational team and the work they are doing to ensure that the centre remains open to ensure essential services are available to the local community.”