NORTHWICH'S iconic town bridge was illuminated in a golden hue as a sign of respect to mark the nation's Day of Reflection.

Exactly a year to the day from when Prime Minister Boris Johnson told us all to stay at home, people around the country paid their respects on Tuesday to remember those that had died during coronavirus pandemic.

It's not the first time the bridge has been bathed in a colourful light show, with previous events paying tribute to the NHS, Remembrance Day as well as a celebration of Christmas.

Councillor Sam Naylor said it was an important and fitting way to remember those that had died during the past year and how he hoped the permanent illumination of the iconic structure will soon become reality.

He said: "It's Northwich's way of showing respect and remembering the milestone of being a year into this as well as paying tribute to all those people that have lost loved ones.

"We've been pressing the permanent illumination of the town bridge.

"This was another initiative with a bit of money from Chester West and Cheshire Council as well as the town council, who organised it all.

"Northwich BID and the Rotarians were also involved and I'd also like to thank the Canal and Rivers Trust who sanctioned us to do this."

Northwich Guardian: The CRS Consultants building on Dane Street was also illuminated.

Don't worry if you missed it as the bridge will be illuminated every night this week, along with the CRS Consultants Ltd building on Dane Street.

Northwich MP Mike Amesbury said it was fitting the bridge was illuminated as part of the day of reflection.

He said: "I thank Cheshire West and Chester Council and others for making this happen as we remembered relatives, friends and colleagues who tragically lost their lives to Covid and their grieving families.

"It was a time to think about people who are still recovering after the virus left them weakened.

“But it is also a time to reflect on the heroes in our community who saved lives, supported the vulnerable, kept our frontline services going and helped develop the vaccines that will protect us in future.

"The pandemic highlighted the fragility of life but also shone a light on our strengths as a community when we come together to support each other."

Andrew Gardner, from Winnington, was in the town centre on Tuesday evening to see the lights illuminated for the first time.

The 57-year-old said: “I think it’s great that Northwich makes an effort to show it is in tune with the current climate.

“In times like these it’s important that the community put on a show like this to people’s raise spirits and show we are all thinking of our lost loved ones.”