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A special ceremony took place at the church to dedicate the stone, led by Father Andrew Fisher.

Fr Fisher is one of many people who has been tragically touched by Covid-19, as his father-in-law died from the virus.

On dedicating the stone to the people of Bulwell he said he hoped the stone would be regarded as 'an oasis for passive reflection and serenity'.

Marking the new Covid memorial stone at St Mary's Church in Bulwell are, from left, Eleanor Lang (church warden), Father Andrew Fisher, Kim Nichols (AW Lymn), Rev Bob Stephens, Tony Knowls (AW Lymn). Photo: Brian Eyre

He added: “If you, or anyone who you know, have lost a loved one to Covid, you are very much in our thoughts and prayers.”

Later, Fr Fisher explained how the memorial stone project had come about.

He said: “As has unfortunately been the case, I have conducted quite a lot of funerals in the last year for people who have died from coronavirus and I had the idea of some sort of commemorative stone for all the families to remember those who had died.

"So I contacted several funeral directors and AW Lymn kindly produced the stone for us.

The stone has been laid by the church's south porch

"We laid and dedicated it at the church last week and we blessed it on the Sunday after that.

"We have had people in our congregation who have been lost to coronavirus or have friends or family who have been lost to it, it has affected so many people.

"It has been such a terribly hard year for all of us and I think that has made people appreciate this memorial stone even more.

"The reaction I have had has been very positive from everyone.

"People wanted somewhere where they could come and reflect and remember those who have been lost."

The stone has been laid outside the south porch ats St Mary’s for anyone who wishes to visit it to remember a loved one

The church is also supporting the National Day of Reflection on March 23, the first anniversary of the UK lockdown.

Organised by Marie Curie, the day looks to reflect on the UK’s collective loss, support those who have been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.

At 10.30am on March 23, St Mary’s will hold an act of prayer and reflection by the Coronavirus memorial, which will also be livestreamed on its Facebook page.

Memorial stone to remember Covid victims laid at Bulwell church