SCHOOL pupils have put pen to paper to say thank-you to NHS staff working during the coronavirus pandemic.

The children, from years seven and eight of St Catherine’s Academy, Bolton, were set the activity as part of their English lessons at home.

It comes as people across the town took to the streets on Thursday night to clap from their doorsteps, windows, gardens and balconies as part of the nationwide Clap for Carers movement.

It wasn’t just the public who got involved, with Great Manchester Police turning out to support staff at Royal Bolton Hospital by clapping, cheering and flashing the blue lights on their cars.

One of the heartfelt messages of support and encouragement written by pupils said: “I am writing to thank you for all the amazing work you’ve done for the whole of the UK.

"It’s phenomenal, the work and effort you put in to make us as healthy as possible.”

English teacher Krystina Adams said: “We have been setting up home learning tasks for the year seven and eight pupils.

“It wasn’t a task they had to do, more if they would like to do it, but the responses were fantastic.

“They kept sending us the letters and we have had some really positive responses.

“We got in touch with Bolton NHS and they have shared them with members of staff in the department.

“The children have been working so hard as well, they’re really feeling it right now.

“It is hard for them to suddenly be sent home. But they’re still sending us more letters in and showing their appreciation for NHS staff.

“Back in September we actually discussed what heroes are and how we think of superheroes yet there are lots of everyday heroes out there, so they’re really aware of the NHS and it’s so important to them.

“It can be difficult for the children to understand what’s going on right now, so they’re writing about what they have seen and what they have listened to.”