A GROUP of Bridport residents came together online to remember Sarah Everard with a candlelight vigil.

All over the country, candlelit vigils have been held in memory of the 33-year-old marketing executive and all others who have been the victims of gender-based violence.

Sarah went missing in south London while walking home from a friend's house on March 3.

Her body was later found in woodland in Kent and Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with her kidnap and murder.

A group came together in Bridport at the weekend to share their sympathy and grief and to light a candle.

The group initially wanted to hold a in-person vigil in Bucky Doo Square.

The group approached Bridport Town Clerk, Will Austin, who explained they would need police permission.

Mr Austin told the group if permission was granted for a stewarded, socially distanced event where those in attendance were required to wear face masks - he would allow it to take place.

The Dorset Safety Advisory Group, which is responsible for licensing public events, were also supportive of the vigil. However, permission was not granted to the group by Dorset Police.

This prompted the decision to hold a virtual vigil on Zoom. Women from Bridfem, Friends of Dorset Women’s Refuge and sea swimming group, the Bluetits, among others, came together to pay respects and show sympathy.

They read uplifting poetry and a prayer called 'Dangerous Women Creed' by Lynne Hybels, along with sharing their own tales of sexist abuse and experiences of feeling unsafe or shamed.

Shortly before 6pm everyone in attendance lit a candle to take outside their own front door in memory of Sarah Everard.

Margie Barbour, a local feminist activist who came up with the idea for the vigil, said: “Many women felt it important to share their sympathy and grief and to light a candle for Sarah, so I proposed we could hold a short, safe vigil in Bucky Doo on Saturday at 6pm. When this was not possible we instead held a virtual vigil on Zoom.

"The personal tales of fear and abuse struck a chord with everyone; women said they would never have told anyone about incidents."

Many of the women during the vigil had said how much they hoped that this terrible event would be a catalyst for change.

Bridport feminist group Bridfem says it would welcome new members and it will be holding a meeting once indoor meetings are allowed.

To join the group visit its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Bridfem