Efforts to create a permanent Covid-19 memorial in Stoke-on-Trent are set to receive a boost after the government announced national commemoration plans. 

The Government has announced a long-term national programme to commemorate the Covid-19 pandemic, including preserving the National Covid Memorial Wall, establishing annual remembrance events and supporting community-led memorial projects across the UK. 

The plans also include creating new reflective green spaces and expanding digital and historical archives to ensure the experiences and losses of the pandemic are remembered for future generations. 

Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell said the national programme "provides a vital framework for remembrance" and aligns closely with work already underway in the city. 

Covid-bereaved families have been meeting with the MP in recent months to shape proposals for a local memorial, including a digital storytelling element and a peaceful, accessible outdoor location. 

At a recent meeting at Stoke Minster, families unanimously supported including the names of residents who died from Covid-19 and creating a space where people can walk, reflect and remember. 

Volunteers including Lynn Jones MBE, who was involved in London's memorial wall, are supporting the project. 

On Thursday, Lynn Jones was among a group of bereaved relatives welcomed into Parliament to hear the announcement directly by Baroness Twycross. 

She was met by Gareth Snell MP who paid tribute to Lynn's works and the memory of her husband Gareth Jones in the House of Commons 

Mr Snell has written to Baroness Twycross, Minister at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, requesting Government backing, and is due to meet officials from the Department's Major and Commemorative Events team to discuss next steps. 

He said: "More than 1,000 people in Stoke-on-Trent are thought to have died from Covid-19. 

"Their families deserve a permanent and dignified place of remembrance, and today's announcement strengthens the case for delivering that here in our city." 

He is encouraging anyone who lost a loved one to Covid-19 to contribute their story and help shape the memorial as plans progress.  

People can register their interest at Gareth Snell MP's website here.