In many ways they were the symbol of an innocent love, a sweet way of perhaps conveying a message without embarrassment. Now Love Hearts are being used to Thank Our NHS

On the day after the tenth, and last, #ClapForOurCarers evening was observed, a new way of showing your appreciation has been launched by the Co-op, including those stores in Holbrook and Brantham on the peninsula, as they will be selling limited edition bags of Swizzles NHS Love Hearts.

All Swizzels' profits from the sales of the NHS Love Hearts bags will go directly to the NHS. The funds will be donated to a dedicated Intensive Care Unit research fund, part of the NHS Foundation Trust, and will contribute to the continued research into COVID-19.

A Co-op spokesman said: "All of us here are so proud of the amazing work our front-line heroes in the NHS have been doing.

"This is a great gesture by Swizzles and we hope people pick up a bag while out getting their food and essentials so a great cause like the NHS can benefit."

Jeremy Dee, Managing Director at Swizzels, said: "In these unprecedented times, we wanted to show our appreciation and support for the outstanding work that the NHS is continuing to do across the country.

"The Love Hearts message is focused on sharing the love and, at a time when this sentiment is more important than ever, we hope people will do this by purchasing a bag to show their support. From all of us at Swizzels – thank you to every single person who works for the NHS."

This comes as the retailer is currently offering a 10% discount for all NHS workers to say thank you for their efforts working on the frontline to help tackle the Coronavirus.

All NHS workers have to do is show their ID card to receive 10% off all food and other essentials and to get priority access by moving to the front of any external queue when waiting to enter.