Covid-19 memorial trees to be installed

Remembrance trees are to be installed to remember people who died during the Covid-19 pandemic, a council said.

The wooden memorial trees will be placed in Bourne, Grantham, Stamford and The Deepings, where residents can tie ribbons and place memorials.

They will be put in place on the national Covid-19 Day of Reflection on Sunday 8 March.

Councillor Paul Stokes, of South Kesteven District Council, said he was "heartened" by the installation.

He added: "I hope people will take comfort in pausing to reflect, remember those we lost, and acknowledge the strength and compassion shown across the district during such an incredibly difficult time."

The trees will remain in place for residents to add memorials in their own time, the council said.

Stokes paid tribute to those who volunteered at the SK Community Hub during 2020 and 2021, collecting prescriptions and shopping for vulnerable people, among other acts of kindness.

He said: "At a time of real uncertainty, people stepped forward to help their neighbours, often under difficult and emotional circumstances."

He said the volunteers' help "made a lasting difference" to those they supported.

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices