A focal point in the town will again be lit up in blue to show support for the key workers.

Beaminster-based business, JSW Entertainment Group, has amplified the regular Thursday applause by lighting up St Mary’s Church in Beaminster in recognition of all essential key workers.

It was first lit up last week and is part of a series of events which will see JSW Entertainment light up various churches throughout the region.

Jamie Isaacs, CEO and operations manager of JSW Entertainment, said: “It was important to us to use our own expertise and skills to add to the amazing initiatives already underway within our own community. Our business works on events all over the UK and Europe, and we wanted to show our appreciation, in a way that we knew how, to the amazing work that so many key workers in our community are doing.”

Responses to the first lighting of the church has been received well by the community.

Samantha Pearce of Beaminster Town Council said: “The beauty of the church is that it’s always been a real focal point for the town. And now, from many areas within Beaminster, residents will get a glimpse of the church and can show their support and appreciation to the NHS, carers and other key workers without the need to leave their homes.

“This initiative provides a reminder that although we are going through difficult times at the moment, there are so many people who are doing their utmost to look after us.

“We are encouraged by the overwhelming amount of support that people and businesses in our own town has offered. From the volunteers who give their time so freely, to businesses who have changed the way they operate to be able to serve people better, initiatives like this one is just another reminder that we are all in this together and, by working together and supporting each other, we can be stronger.”

St Mary’s Church will be lit up in blue tonight (Thursday) from 8pm to 11.30pm.

For more information about how the Beaminster Coronavirus Support Team is serving the community as part of the ongoing Beaminster Community Resilience plan, visit discoverbeaminster.co.uk or contact Beaminster Town Council on 01308 863634.