Covid-19 inquiry hears of impact on Lancashire

A member of the inquiry team talks to people in Blackpool

People affected in Lancashire who were affected by Covid-19 have been sharing their stories during a tour by the team overseeing the inquiry into the pandemic.

The 'Every Story Matters' project allows people to speak anonymously without the need to give evidence to an inquiry.

The tour, which will support the UK's Covid-19 Inquiry's legal investigations, visited the Grand Theatre in Blackpool.

Laura Kenny, the inquiry's head of external affairs, told BBC North West Tonight: "We know that pandemic affected everyone across the country and that is why we are here in Blackpool.

"We want to hear from as many people as possible so we can understand the lasting effects that the pandemic had here."

Hospitality worker Thea Gunton said: "It was hard to leave the town.

"I had a relative die down in Cornwall and I couldn't go the funeral as I couldn't leave.

"It was really, really restrictive.

"It was hard, but you just got on with it."

Thea Gunton speaking about Covid-19

The Covid-19 inquiry is examining what happened during the pandemic and how lessons can be learnt.

No-one will be found guilty or innocent, the inquiry has no formal deadline, and it is due to hold public hearings until 2026.

Just under 227,000 people died in the UK with Covid-19 listed as one of the causes on their death certificate.