A minute's silence has been organised to mark a year since the country entered its first lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Day of Reflection will be held on Tuesday, March 23 and will be a chance to "reflect on our collective loss, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future".

It has been organised by 110 different groups, but spearheaded by end-of-life charity Marie Curie.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh leader Mark Drakeford have backed it.

A comment on Marie Curie's website reads: "Since the first lockdown began in 2020, hundreds of thousands of people have died.

"Too many lives have been cut short and millions have been bereaved.

"Behind the statistics and whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for the people left behind.

"Join us on 23 March, the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown, for a National Day of Reflection to reflect on our collective loss, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

"There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise.

"This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we're facing, and support each other through grief in the years to come."

The minute's silence will be held at midday, and other commemorative events are due to take place too.

Adverts for it will also be shared on TV, radio and social media.

Mr Johnson said: "This has been an incredibly difficult year for our country.

"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."

Cllr James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, is encouraging everyone to get involved.

He said: "This past year has seen so much heartbreak, loss and sacrifice among our families, friends, neighbours and communities.

"It is right that we use this moment to reflect upon the terrible impact of the pandemic and the many lives taken from us too soon.

"As we look towards our recovery and the prospect of a return to a more normal way of life, we must not forget the memory of those who are no longer with us.

"We encourage everyone to pay their respects and participate in the one minute’s silence at noon on 23 March, while continuing to do all we can to protect ourselves and each other from this dreadful disease."
More than 140,000 people have now died of Covid-19 in the UK.

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