Remembering the 22 who lost their lives in the Manchester bomb…

A  one-minute silence was held this afternoon in memory of the 22 people who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing.

The Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister Theresa May were among those attending a service of remembrance at Manchester Cathedral.

They were joined by families of the victims of the suicide bombing, the injured, the first responders to the scene, civic leaders and other national figures.

Members of the public  watched  proceedings on a big screen in nearby Cathedral Gardens.  The service was  screened at York Minster, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and Glasgow Cathedral.

More than 3,000 singers from local choirs will later join forces at the Manchester Together – With One Voice event in the city’s Albert Square from 7.30pm to 9 pm.

Among those performing are the Manchester Survivors Choir, a group made up people who were at the Arena on the night of the fateful Ariane Grande concert, and Parrs Wood High School’s Harmony Group..

There will be a 30-minute communal singalong finale with songs including Ariana Grande’s One Last Time, One Day Like This by Elbow, Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis and Never Forget by Take That.

At 10.31pm, bells will ring out from buildings across the city centre to mark the moment when the attack took place 12 months ago.

People will be encouraged to share messages of tribute, solidarity and love, and hang them on the Trees of Hope trail throughout the city

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said a thousand officers and staff have needed treatment, help and support following the attack :”Today is a time to remember the 22 people who lost their lives and all those who have been affected by the Manchester Arena atrocity 12 months ago. Our thoughts remain with them on what will be a particularly difficult day following the many difficult days they have already faced.

“GMP officers and staff will be joining everyone in the City to provide support to people throughout the day. We will be observing the minute’s silence and attending the many events that are taking place.

“It has been a challenging year for the officers and staff of GMP although it is nothing compared to the trauma faced by those who have been affected. I remain incredibly proud of the way everyone across GMP responded on that terrible night and the difficult days, weeks and months that followed.

“Staff worked tirelessly and faced things that no-one should have to see doing work that pushed them to the limit. I also wish to recognise the support of the whole Police Service who came together to support Manchester in our hour of need. All the time they were focused on helping people.

“These events have taken their toll on the Force. More than 1,000 officers and staff have needed help and support following the attack. I know many will be feeling the pressure as we mark 12 months since the barbaric attack and we will have specialist support available to help them.

“What is important at this difficult time is that we all come together to reflect, remember and mark the time with dignity and respect.

“The people of Greater Manchester came together, a City united, in response to what happened and we saw people at their best. I hope that we can capture that same spirit in the events to remember and celebrate those who lost their lives and those who were so badly injured and traumatised.”