CHURCH bells are set to ring out to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of the coronavirus pandemic - one year on from when the country was first plunged into lockdown.

The bells at St Mary's Church on South Street, Bridport are set to ring once again to recognise the victims of the pandemic, marking the one year anniversary of the first lockdown and to symbolise the growing light at the end of the tunnel.

The bells will be rung on Tuesday, March 23 at 12.01pm, following a minute's silence to reflect at 12pm.

The event is on Marie Curie Day - in which the charity's supporters come together to reflect on collective losses, support those who’ve been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

Bob Hardwick, tower captain at St Mary's, said: "A year ago, the pandemic swept over us, and along with many other parts of our life, the church bells fell silent. Now, a year on, we are slowly bringing the bells back out to ring.

"On March 23 we will ring out for Marie Curie Day, the recognition of one long year of suffering and one long year of immense effort from everyone.

"We will chime 100 times, also to recognise the amazing and strong characters like Captain Tom, amongst so many others."

The bells will be rung by a singular ringer, making use of the church's 'Samathon' device, named after bell ringer Sam Dunn.

The system allows for one person to safely ring all eight bells by themselves and is being utilised every Sunday to support the church’s virtual services.