Bassetlaw urged to fall silent to mark the one year anniversary of the first UK lockdown

A minute’s silence is taking place at 12pm – a year since the country was told it was going into lockdown due to the spread of Covid.

Since then hundreds of thousands of people have died and residents are urged to used the minute’s silence to reflect on those who have lost their lives.

Later in the evening, the nation will stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with candles, torches or using the light on a phone, to share a beacon of support in these incredibly tough times.

Prominent buildings and iconic landmarks will also light up across the UK to mark the anniversary.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he will be marking the minute of silence privately.

"This has been an incredibly difficult year for our country,” he said.

"My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, and who have not been able to pay tribute to them in the way they would have wanted.

"As we continue to make progress against the virus, I want to thank people for the sacrifices they continue to make, and hope they can look forward to being reunited with loved ones as restrictions are cautiously eased."

The day is being led by charity Marie Curie, but more than 110 organisations are behind the day, including the British Red Cross, Royal Voluntary Service and Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

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