A 'beacon of hope' in Diss has been lit for the first time in memory of lives lost during the coronavirus pandemic.

Work got under way in the autumn to establish a new beacon in Diss Park, providing a place for local people to reflect in years to come.

Diss Mercury: The 'beacon of hope' in Diss was lit for the very first time during a special ceremonyThe 'beacon of hope' in Diss was lit for the very first time during a special ceremony (Image: Diss Town Council)

Members of Diss Town Council highlighted the need for a “symbol of light and remembrance” and a legacy for future generations.

Up to £2,000 from the council’s events and park reserves was therefore allocated to turn the vision into reality.

And finally, on Monday (June 21), a special ceremony was held as the beacon was lit for the first time.

Coronavirus-in-numbers-23-June-2021--Cases-rise-by-16-135 (1)

Similar events are also being planned for special and solemn occasions.

Facing St Mary's Church and overlooking Diss Mere, the beacon will, in due course, be complemented with a plinth around its base which will house a time capsule.

Local schoolchildren will be invited to contribute, creating a unique material record of an unprecedented moment in history.

Diss Mercury: The beacon in Diss has been established to remember lives lost during the coronavirus pandemicThe beacon in Diss has been established to remember lives lost during the coronavirus pandemic (Image: Diss Town Council)

Diss Mercury: The 'beacon of hope' in Diss was lit for the very first time during a special ceremonyThe 'beacon of hope' in Diss was lit for the very first time during a special ceremony (Image: Diss Town Council)