CLAP for Carers, which saw people across the North-East and North Yorkshire at their doors applauding key workers, is set to return tonight under a new name - but Northern Echo readers are torn on whether it should.

The newly-named Clap for Heroes, which includes key workers and unsung heroes of the pandemic, returns at 8pm tonight, January 7, as the country is just days into its third national lockdown.

One Northern Echo pointed out "claps don't pay the bills".

Annemarie Plas, who came up with the weekly ritual that ran for 10 weeks during the first lockdown, tweeted that the tradition would be returning as Clap for Heroes.

She said: “We are bringing back the 8pm applause, in our 3rd lockdown.

“I hope it can lift the spirit, of all of us. Carers teacher, homeschooling parents, those who shield and ALL who is pushing through this difficult time! Please join & share! #clapforheroes.”

But The Northern Echo readers are torn as to whether it should return, with 60 of you having your say. 

Many of you noted the need to applaud other key workers, not just carers and frontline staff. 

Truck drivers, bin collection workers and supermarket staff are just some of those who have kept working throughout the pandemic. 

Ashleigh Thompson said: "Clap for the truckers who are having to work away from there family all week."

Others encouraged fellow readers to follow the rules and wear masks while calling for a pay rise for frontline staff.

Rachel Kay said: "No, I’m sure they would rather people just stayed at home and followed the rules."

Denise Johnson, whose comment received 13 reactions, said: "No and certainly not because I don't appreciate them all but I think they all would much prefer everyone to stick by the rules, give them all a big pay rise instead."

Stephen Downey also said: "How about we follow advice and stay at home... oh and give them the pay rise they deserve!!!"

Steven Mair said: "Hopefully the people who abuse the nhs staff do not bother to do it.

"But no from me my wife is a nurse and found it patronising, especially seeing people who had been abusive in the past doing while she was doing her job clapping.

"I’ll do what I always do follow the rules and keep watching through out the year as we go in and out of lockdown after lockdown because a lot of people do not follow the rules. It’s amazing how many people seem to have an excuse not to."

Lauren Webster said: "Claps don't pay the bills."