BRADFORD buildings will be lit up in blue this weekend to mark the 72nd birthday of the NHS.

Sunday, July 5, is the official anniversary and buildings and landmarks across the country will be floodlit in the iconic NHS blue to mark the historic occasion.

Bradford Royal Infirmary is no exception and the hospital, part of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) will bathe its main entrance in Duckworth Lane and its Women’s and Newborn Unit in blue light from tomorrow evening.

Chief Executive Mel Pickup said: “I think everyone will agree that 2020 has been the most challenging year in NHS history.

"Over the last few months the NHS has stepped up in ways never seen before to work out how to deliver services differently following lockdown.

"This could not have been achieved without the commitment and skills of our people and I am incredibly proud of all of our staff at BTHFT.

“We’re lighting up our buildings this weekend to mark the birthday; they will literally glow with pride at being part of the bigger NHS family.

"The NHS birthday is also a poignant moment for us to reflect and remember all those who have lost their lives during the pandemic.”

Other buildings in Bradford will include City Hall, Forster Square Arches Margaret McMillan Tower.

In Yorkshire, the historic city walls of York will glow as part of #LightItBlue, along with Harrogate’s Nightingale Hospital on the eve of the birthday.

Across England, iconic landmarks will include Blackpool Tower, the Royal Albert Hall, The Shard and Wembley Arch.