NHS healthcare workers were applauded and given flowers as a token of appreciation for their work during the coronavirus outbreak. 

Tesco Extra, Twickenham, joined other stores across the UK who have all independently decided to celebrate healthcare workers as part of the NHS hour it introduced on March 22.

The new measure was introduced after some workers found shelves emptied by stockpiling. 

It will allow healthcare workers to arrive one hour before the usual store opening times every Sunday to buy supplies.

Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust tweeted: "A huge thank you to Tesco and other stores who have opened this morning for NHS staff.

"NHS workers were handed flowers at Twickenham Extra and the staff gave everyone a round of applause.

"And the lovely Sheila from our Immunisations team led a round of applause for Tesco staff who are all working so hard for everyone affected by the pandemic.

In a statement on its new Sunday opening policy, Tesco said:

"We know that those working for the NHS may be finding it hard to find time to shop for their groceries at the moment.

"They can come to our large stores one hour before the usual store opening time every Sunday and will be able to browse the store and select their shopping before the checkouts open.

"All we ask is that they bring a form of ID with them to store, such as an NHS staff card."