Tributes have been paid in Dorchester to the 1,000 people who have died with coronavirus in Dorset.

This week marks the sad occasion the county passes the milestone of 1,000 Covid-related deaths.

One thousand electric candles were lit and placed on the steps of County Hall in Dorchester and at Bournemouth Town Hall as a stark reminder of how the pandemic has caused heartache and devastation across the county. Each candle represented someone that families and friends had lost.

Public services across Dorset are asking residents to pause and reflect not only on the many lives lost but also give thanks to colleagues battling every day to fight the virus.

Dorset Council leader, councillor Spencer Flower, said: "This is really tragic milestone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 and with the families and friends who have lost loved ones during these unprecedented times.

"We all must be mindful at all times so we can save lives and reduce the pressure on everyone who makes sure life can carry on. Please take a moment to remember not only the lives sadly lost, but also to thank those working in the NHS helping patients suffering from the absolutely devastating effects of the virus and the many community volunteers who have worked so hard since the start of the pandemic.

"I know how hard this lockdown has been for so many people, but by following the guidelines can we hope to try and avoid more sad milestones like this one.

"The availability of vaccines and the spread of vaccinations is a great credit to the NHS and does offer real hope for the future. However, in the meantime we all need to stay at home where possible, think carefully and continue to focus on hands, face, space if you do need to go out."

Dr Forbes Watson, NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) chairman and local Dorset GP, said: "We would like to express our sincere condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one at this hugely sad milestone."

Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan said: "Our country has already surpassed the 100,000 death mark from coronavirus - a very grim and sad reality of the huge impact this pandemic has had on so many people.

"This tragedy is further reflected in the fact that Dorset's communities have now lost 1,000 loved ones to this terrible virus. My heartfelt thoughts go to everyone who has lost their lives and the families and loved ones they have left behind.

"Unfortunately, it is expected that more people will die from this terrible virus and we must do all we can right now to stay at home and stick to the rules to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

"I would like to thank the vast majority of people in Dorset for being so responsible - please keep it up and help protect each other."