Mendip District Council will take part in a National Day of Reflection on 23rd March (today), to mark the anniversary of the first UK lockdown.

Staff and councillors will observe a one-minute silence at 12 noon to remember those who died during the pandemic.

The purpose of the event, organised by end of life charity Marie Curie, is to acknowledge the collective loss of the nation, to support those left behind and symbolise hope for a brighter future.

The charity explained that with hundreds of thousands of coronavirus deaths, millions of people have been bereaved, and many have been unable to grieve properly or say their goodbyes.

Mendip District Council's Chief Executive, Stuart Brown, said: "The National Day of Reflection is an opportunity to think of those who are sadly no longer with us and also of their loved ones who are now dealing with that devastating reality.

"We've a long road ahead of us to get back to some sort of normality. This seems a fitting time to pause, reflect, and pay our respects together.

"It's important to acknowledge the great suffering experienced as a result of the virus, but also to move forward together, in hope."

If you'd like to learn more about the National Day of Reflection, visit Marie Curie's website here: www.mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/day-of-reflection