A new Covid-19 memorial has been unveiled outside Jubilee House in Kenilworth.

The memorial, which was installed by Warwick District Council, features a metal sculpture with a wisteria planted next to it.

At a small ceremony yesterday the feature was unveiled by Mayor of Kenilworth Cllr Sam Cooke and the vice chairman of WDC Cllr Sidney Syson.

"I can't think of a better tribute to the people of this town and what they have been through," Cllr Cooke said.

Adding: "Memorials tell the stories of lived experiences, and every experience is different.

"This memorial speaks to the experience of Kenilworth through the pandemic over the past two years and everything that it is going to face as it continues.

A small plaque next to the memorial explains its significance

"What we have to remember is that every one of those experiences is different, no individual experience has been the same.

"So we are here to remember those who we have sadly lost as a result of the pandemic and pay thanks to the members of the Kenilworth community who have selflessly supported those around town."

In particular Cllr Cooke thanked local health professionals, pharmacies, the 'Pharmie Army', local businesses, pubs, and Molly's Meals for supporting the town over the past two years.

"The ability of Kenilworth to come together as quickly as it did when the pandemic hit absolutely amazed me," she added.

"The sense of community in this town is something that makes me really proud to call it my home."

The memorial is one of four to be unveiled in Warwick district this week, alongside those in Warwick, Leamington Spa and Whitnash.

Designed by John Holmes of WDC green spaces team, they are planned "as living wisteria sculptures" with the plant one day completely taking over the metal structure.

During the ceremony Cllr Syson added: "You as a community in Kenilworth came together to help those who most needed the help during the pandemic.

"But of course there were some people for whom that help was not enough, and we remember the 40 citizens of Kenilworth who died as a result of that horrible disease.

"This is a memorial to them as well as a tribute to everybody in the town who truly lived up to you motto 'Civs Oppidi Fundamenta' - in other words 'citizens are the foundation of our town'."

Four memorials are set to be unveiled in Warwick district this week