A NEW memorial bench has been unveiled at Colchester cemetery acting as a memorial for those affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Dave Harris arranged for the bench to be placed at the cemetery, using the locality budget from Essex County Council.

The bench acts as a way to remember all those who had helped the community of Colchester in the pandemic, as an apt reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in Colchester.

The new bench features various signs of animals and nature, as well as a golden plaque, which thanks families, frontline workers and the community.

Mr Harris said: “Many of my own constituents in Shrub End and Berechurch rallied to help those in need from the start.

“Lots of us were affected adversely by pandemic. Here’s to those who helped out, such as the crematorium team, the emergency services, council workers, the NHS, and volunteers who worked on behalf of my communities.

“After such a long period of Covid and such negative effect, it will be good to at last celebrate the strength of Colchester community.

“I also dedicate it to NHS, all who volunteered in pandemic and to all families adversely affected.”