Residents from Andover and beyond paid tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore yesterday as part of a national clap organised to celebrate his life.

Politicians, police officers and NHS staff were among those joining in with a round of applause to commemorate the life of the 100-year-old, who raised over £33 million for the NHS.

Others chose not to join in with the applause, saying that it was “virtue signalling” that overlooked the many others who had died during the pandemic.

Captain Sir Tom Moore came to the attention of the nation when he began walking lengths of his garden for NHS Charities Together, with the aim of raising £1,000 for his 100th birthday, April 30.

Over the next 24 days, he ended up raising almost £33 million, and was knighted by the Queen. He also has a number one single with Michael Ball with a cover of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, and is currently the oldest person to achieve this feat.

He sadly passed away on February 2 in Bedford Hospital, where he was being treated for pneumonia, and subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.

A national clap was organised in his honour on February 3 at 6pm, with his family, the Prime Minister and others up and down the country participating.

Politicians were also getting involved locally, with Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) flying its flags at half-mast in Captain Tom’s memory, as did Hampshire County Council.

Councillor Phil North, leader of TVBC, said: “At ease, Captain Sir Tom Moore.

“In the dark days of the Second World War he did his duty. For that alone, he was a hero. But to inspire a nation, once again, in the midst of our biggest post war crisis takes an extremely special person.

“Not only did he lift our hearts at a time of great national sadness. He raised millions of pounds for NHS charities and inspired others to do the same.”

MP Caroline Nokes also paid tribute, saying: “Such very sad news about Captain Sir Tom Moore - he taught us a lot about positivity, determination and humour in the face of adversity this last year. RIP a national treasure.”

NHS staff at the Countess of Brecknock Hospice and police officers at the police station also got out to applaud, as did residents across town, with sirens and horns being sounded at 6pm.

Schools also paid tribute to the veteran, with Harrow Way School saying he had “inspired us all”.

They said: “You inspired us all during one of the most difficult times we've ever faced. Your legacy will live on and continue to inspire. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family & friends.”

Endeavour Primary School concurred, saying: “We have lost a national hero... we must take heart from his positive attitude and resilience. ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’.”

Others chose not to take part, with one resident saying that it was “just virtue signalling” as Captain Tom was not around to hear it, while another member of the public said the applause was “tasteless”.

Meanwhile, Andy Fitchet, a reverend for Picket Twenty Church, said that he didn’t join in the applause as other community workers had died during the pandemic without recognition.

He said: “I didn’t clap last night. No one clapped when members of my congregation died without their family around them or at their funeral due to restrictions. They gave their lives for the local community and died alone.”