Plymouth remembers local lives lost to COVID-19
Plymouth's Lord Mayor has led tributes to the more than 220 people who have died with the virus in the city
Plymouth has joined a national day of reflection, to remember the lives lost during the coronavirus pandemic.
Today (23 March) is the first anniversary of the start of the UK's first national lockdown.
Since then, over 126,000 people have died with the virus across the UK, including 224 local people from Plymouth.
To mark the day, the city council will light up Smeaton’s Tower from 8pm. Residents are encouraged to show their support and create a colourful poster or shine a light at their window.
Councillor Chris Mavin, The Lord Mayor of Plymouth, led the tributes. He said:
"It important that we all come together to reflect on our collective loss, celebrate the lives of the special people no longer here, support those who've been bereaved and look towards a much brighter future.
"Grief is difficult to manage at any stage of life. But we know that this year, those grieving at home have endured a myriad of restrictions and limitations that have profoundly affected their ability to grief and heal.
"Today is an opportunity to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved in the most challenging of circumstances – be that from COVID-19 or any other cause.
"If you have been impacted by grief, please remember that there is support available. No one needs to be alone."