As communities come together to remember the many lives lost over the last two years, commemorative rainbow benches and cherry trees have appeared in Ashby and Measham.

Today (Wednesday) is the National Day of Reflection - and North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) invited all town and parish councils to place commemorative benches and trees for reflection.

The items are being installed in more than 40 areas across the district and were inspired by an area for commemoration created by the Donisthorpe Allotment Society.

Led by end-of-life charity Marie Curie, the National Day of Reflection is a day to reflect on the lives of the people who have died during the last two years, whether from Covid or any other cause, and to support the millions of people who are grieving.

The district council says that, since the first lockdown began in 2020, millions of people across the UK have been bereaved - with all communities have felt the impact of this tragic loss of life.

The brightly-coloured benches are made from recycled plastic and support the National Day's message of 'hope for a brighter future'.

The cherry trees will flower in March and April to give an annual display of commemoration.

NWLDC's parks team will plant 44 trees and install 47 benches in all corners of the district, including:

• Scotlands Playing Fields – Coalville
• Hood Park – Ashby de la Zouch
• Measham Cemetery Extension - Measham

NWLDC Chairman Councillor Virge Richichi said: "We know our communities will continue to grieve for all of the lives lost over the last two years, so it is fitting that across the district there will be places to collectively remember our loved ones.

"While we slowly move from the pandemic it is important to take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices communities and individuals have made to support each other through some of the darkest times.

"We are grateful to every parish and town council and parish meeting that has supported the COVID commemoration."

Unveiling their bench and tree to mark the National Day of Reflection, Councillor Colin Burton, Chairman of Recreation at Castle Donington Parish Council said: "The parish council gives thanks to all those who have helped, and continue to help, others in anyway during the pandemic.

The parish council remembers those who have been lost through Covid-19 or other causes and sends sympathy and support to those who are grieving."

Commenting on the benches after losing her husband to Covid-19, Kathleen Sanders, said: "The commemorative benches really are a welcome addition to our communities, and I'm delighted that they've been installed to remember those that we have lost to coronavirus.

"The way that the benches have been positioned mean that I get to pass them every day on my daily dog walk so that I can stop and remember my husband, who I sadly lost during the pandemic."