A day of reflection and remembrance is planned in Maldon town to mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown.

A minute's silence at and a doorstep vigil will take place at midday and the Moot Hall will be illuminated in the evening on Tuesday, 23 March.

A spokesperson for Maldon Town Council said: "Residents are invited to join Town Mayor, Councillor Abdul Hafiz, in backing Marie Curie's plan for a national day of reflection, when those who have died in the pandemic will be remembered."

The day of reflection will also include the creation of a nationwide "beacon of remembrance" by people across the country on their doorsteps, by beaming phones, candles and torches into the night sky at 8pm.

Mayor Hafiz said: "This has been an incredibly difficult year for all of us. 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 their loved ones as restrictions are cautiously eased."