A blossom tree memorial dedicated to all those who have died from Covid is set to be planted in Swindon this spring.

And calls to look into creating a monument for key workers and volunteers in pandemic have been answer with unanimous support from borough councillors.

There are no details yet on what the monument will look like or where in Swindon it will go, but as a result of the vote at Thursday's full council meeting, interested groups will be consulted on a suitable design and location, somewhere on public land.

A community fund will also be created to meet the cost.

Labour councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, who worked with Public Health England during the pandemic and set up a foodbank from his house in order to support those most in need said: “I realised how much Covid has actually affected us, and globally the outlook has changed.

"We have lost so many doctors, nurses and other key workers who supported the public, and I want us to build a monument to recognise the superheroes who have lost their lives or are still with us.”

He added: “It will be nice to show some respect with a monument. It could be the cheapest thing really.

"Its entirely up to the people of Swindon to decide what they want, but it will be nice for the next generation to see how boldly and courageously we fought this, and in the future it gives them the strength to fight these situations again.”

Cabinet member for adults and health Brian Ford gave strong support to Coun Shaikh's motion.

He said: “I’ve got first-hand experience in seeing what the key workers and volunteers have been doing and also because its been within my portfolio, I’ve seen all the hard work.

“Literally thousands and thousands of people in Swindon volunteered and helped in some way or other all the way through this pandemic”.

Several other authorities are raising monuments as a way to mark key workers and volunteers. Barnsley Council in South Yorkshire unveiled a £210,000 sculpture in November. The seven-figure bronze piece includes a police officer, an elderly man and a girl.

Coun Ford added: “We need something to remind us, because while its not over yet, it will calm down, and I think in 10, 15, 25 years, people will need to be reminded of this. Its very important that we should honour the people that helped.”

Work on the project will start following the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations this summer.