Congleton residents can go into their local Co-op food store and take home candles as the nation prepares to unite and remember all those that have sadly died during the coronavirus pandemic.

Congleton's Co-op Funeralcare, who have been handing out candles to the community at their store on West Street, over the last couple of weeks delivered some candles to the Bromley Road food store earlier today (Friday).

These candles are for anyone to take home and light tomorrow evening (4th July), as the country comes together by lighting a candle to remember the friends, family and others who have passed away during the pandemic.

This moment of reflection and remembrance will also form the start of the NHS' birthday.

On Sunday (July 5th), the NHS turns 72 – amid the greatest test in its lifetime. To mark the milestone, tomorrow evening, national landmarks will be lit up blue. Congleton Town Council confirmed that the Town Hall will be lit up blue once again.

Congleton Town Hall, which was regularly lit up blue during the weekly Clap for Carers, brought our communities together and was a mark of respect and appreciation for all the incredibly hard working NHS staff who are on the front line of the fight against coronavirus.

Then, at 5pm on Sunday there will be a nationwide "pause for applause" to applaud not only the NHS and other key workers, but all those who have volunteered or helped keep services and community networks going.

Throughout these testing times, Congleton really has come together and truly shown that it is 'The Little Town with a Big Heart' and at the weekend the community will unite once more to pay its respects.