A COVID Memorial tree has been planted in the grounds of Old Forde House, headquarters of Teignbridge Council.

The tree will symbolise the Teignbridge residents who have died from Covid, and will provide a lasting testament to the outstanding efforts from individuals and groups across the district, who have helped people affected by the pandemic.

The tree planting took place on the Marie Curie-run National Day of Reflection, which marks the second anniversary of the first lockdown in May 2020.

Members and special guests were welcomed by council chairman Colin Parker, and a short ceremony took place to pay tribute to loved ones who had lost their lives, and to show compassion and love to people who are grieving.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that in Teignbridge 191 deaths involving Covid-19 had been provisionally registered up to March 12.

Of these, 102 were in hospitals and 73 in care homes, while 15 occurred in private homes and one in a hospice.

It means deaths outside hospital settings accounted for 47 per cent of the overall toll.

The figures include deaths that occurred up to March 4 which were registered up to eight days later.