A car parking operator is offering free parking to NHS staff in support of their work fighting coronavirus.

CitiPark has said that "NHS heroes" will now be able to park in their Watford car parks as well as other selected car parks across the UK for free following the outbreak of Covid-19.

The parking operator says they are offering the gesture because of the "hard work and dedication" from NHS staff helping those affected by the virus.

A spokesperson at CitiPark said: "Whilst the UK's on the lockdown, our NHS are working tirelessly to keep us safe from coronavirus and treat those affected by this pandemic.

"To show our gratitude, we're offering free parking to NHS employees in selected car parks across the UK."

In Watford, the free parking will be offered at the Church, Gade and Sutton car parks.

NHS staff can claim the free parking by showing NHS ID to a member of staff through the intercom button at a pay station.

Yesterday, the Local Government Association and the Government agreed a scheme for all NHS trusts to provide free parking for staff "for the duration of Covid-19" in car parks and on-street.

The Department of Health added it would cover the cost of car parks for NHS staff at hospitals.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "Our NHS is facing an unprecedented challenge, and I will do everything I can to ensure our dedicated staff have whatever they need during this unprecedented time.

"So we will provide free car parking for our NHS staff who are going above and beyond every day in hospitals across England.

"My enormous gratitude goes out to the many NHS Trusts and other organisations already providing free car parking and I urge other Trusts to do the same with our backing."