PEOPLE took to their doorsteps across the nation tonight to honour Captain Sir Tom Moore with a poignant clapping tribute.
At 6pm, the 'Clap for Captain Tom' tribute took place for the Keighley-born fundraiser who died after testing positive for Covid-19.
Staff from Bradford Royal Infirmary took part in the clapping outside the hospital's main entrance.
In the Bradford district, flags of the council's civic buildings, including City Hall, fell to half mast today.
The same tribute took place at Bradford Royal Infirmary, with the hospital also lighting up its buildings at dusk. Its charity received £180,000 from NHS Charities, which Captain Sir Tom raised money for with his 100-lap walk last spring.
Mel Pickup, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive, said: "It’s difficult to add new words to the countless, heartfelt tributes that have been paid to Captain Tom, who captured our hearts in the darkest of times.
"But he really was something special – we saw the power of one man to inspire a nation, to instil hope and confidence, humanity, courage and kindness.
"We will forever be indebted to you, Captain Tom: you were just what we all needed at the perfect time."
An online Book of Condolence has been opened by Bradford Council on their website to give people the opportunity to record their own tributes to the proud Yorkshireman.
The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Doreen Lee, has written to the family to offer condolences on behalf of the people of the Bradford district.
Council buildings including City Hall in the centre of Bradford was lit up in red, white and blue tonight as a mark of respect.
Kersten England, chief executive of Bradford Council, said: “We are immensely proud of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who is a son of our district, born and bred in Keighley, and of his determination and optimism to get the job done showing true Yorkshire grit.
Many people will mourn his passing and want to share their thoughts on this great man, so we have set up an online book of condolence to allow people to do this
“I hope people from across our district will take the time at 6pm tonight to pay their tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore.”
The book of condolence is available on the Council’s website at: bradford.gov.uk/your-council/the-lord-mayor/captain-sir-tom-moore
Mourners in Keighley left floral tributes to Captain Sir Tom at a plaque in the town last year, in a ceremony which he attended himself. One of the tributes had a note which read 'At Ease Soldier R.I.P'.
Keighley Town Council has opened a virtual book of condolence in memory of Honorary Freeman of Keighley, Captain Sir Tom Moore. Tributes can be submitted online and they will be published on a daily basis. Go to https://keighley.gov.uk/book-of-condolence-for-captain-sir-tom-moore to leave an online tribute.
Meanwhile, the House of Commons fell silent in tribute to Captain Sir Tom ahead of Prime Minister's Questions for a minute's silence earlier this afternoon, and Mr Johnson told MPs the centenarian had dedicated his life to serving others.
He said: "We all now have the opportunity to show our appreciation for him and all that he stood for and believed in.
"That is why I encourage everyone to join in a national clap for Captain Tom and all those health workers for whom he raised money at 6pm this evening."
His death on Tuesday after testing positive for Covid-19 has prompted reaction from around the world and charities have vowed his legacy will live on "for years and years".
His family said the last year of his life was "nothing short of remarkable", and that he had "experienced things he'd only ever dreamed of".
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