A PETITION has been launched for the NHS heroes of the county to receive a prestigious title.

Worcester man Tom Piotrowski is behind the online petition calling for staff working at the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust to be awarded the title of Freedom of the City.

Mr Piotrowski said: "I started this petition a while ago, hoping that we can show our enduring gratitude for their role during the Covid-19 pandemic, but also at other times when they keep us well.

"If local leaders, sports figures, soldiers facing visible adversaries can be recognised by our city in such a way, why not those who respond to the challenge of often invisible yet deadly enemies?"

"Imagine the thousands of NHS key workers being honoured in this way."

The rare accolade is handed out by Worcester City Council, following agreement by councillors.

Among those to have received the title in the past are cricketer Basil D'Oliveira and the Worcestershire Regiment.

The petition can be found at change.org, searching for 'Award Freedom of Worcester City to the NHS Employees in Worcestershire'.