The Barrow community has marked one year since the first coronavirus lockdown by standing in solidarity on their doorsteps.

On March 23 last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined measures to stop the spread of Covid-19, including tough restrictions on socialising, closures of schools, pubs and shops – with many of these rules currently still in place.

Since then, the UK's official death toll has risen from 364 to 126,172 – and Mr Johnson has offered his condolences to those who have been bereaved during the pandemic.

To mark the year anniversary, people across Barrow and the UK stood on their doorsteps at 8pm last night with phones, candles and torches to signify a 'beacon of remembrance'.

A minute's silence was also held at midday yesterday as part of a day of reflection organised by end-of-life charity Marie Curie.

Barrow Town Hall was illuminated yellow in show of solidarity as the country reflects on lives lost and affected by the pandemic.

The Hoad in Ulverston was also lit up blue in commemoration of the lives lost due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Leader of the council, Councillor Ann Thomson, said: “The last year has been remarkably tough for some many people, for a variety of reasons.

“Many households and families have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic; through bereavement, loneliness, financial hardship or effects on their physical and mental health.

“The togetherness of the Barrow community has not ceased to amaze me.

"We will get through this together. Nobody should feel alone.

"As a borough, we are Barrow and we will get through this.”

The Mail readers have revealed what they have learned a year on since the first coronavirus lockdown was put in place.

Lori Robbo said: "I've learnt that we never really appreciate what we've got, until it's out of reach. Not only family and friends were important, a whole community became a lifeline and lots of people were there when we needed them most.

"My family will never forget those who have done so much for us through this pandemic, and perhaps it's taught humanity to take time to appreciate what we have and the precious things that really matter."

Kiera Holme said: "Life’s too short – you don’t know what’s coming next so live for the moment and don’t take things for granted."

Iain Ryan said: "I've learned that every member of staff, from the cleaning team to the consultants, at CCCU, ward 9/Coniston and ward 4 at Furness General are heroes."

Lynne Morgan said: "I've learned to treasure the things that matter – family and friends."

Children at St James' Catholic Primary School in Millom marked the day by hanging yellow hearts from their school fences, with names of loved ones who were lost in the pandemic.

Headteacher Mrs Nicholas said: "The school community itself has been quite affected by everything that has happened over the last 12 months.

"There are a lot of staff members who lost loved ones and children's families who lost grandparents so it felt important to be part of the national day of reflection and for the children to be aware of it and to look back at what has happened and celebrate the lives of the people we lost.

"We gave yellow hearts to everyone in school and we invited everyone in school and in the community to put the name of somebody they lost on the heart with a little message and they are laminated and hung around the school fence.

"It has been absolutely lovely.

"It's not been a day to dwell on the sadness; it's been about celebrating the lives of the people and remembering the good times."