Bells at Canterbury Cathedral are to toll every evening at 8pm as a mark of remembrance to the victims of coronavirus.

In what will be the first time in its history, the 'Harry' bell will also be ringing in celebration of the heroism of frontline healthcare staff and other essential workers.

It will last for two minutes every night until the global threat of coronavirus recedes.

It is hoped the familiar sound of the historic bells - which will be rung remotely via a timer - will be a comfort and provide strength for all who hear it.

The bells previously rang out in national celebration at the end of the Second World War.

They have been used to celebrate weddings, toll for the dead at funerals, call to prayer, ring half-muffled on Remembrance Sunday, and announce the arrival of a new archbishop.

But the Cathedral bells have not tolled daily before in remembrance of victims around the world or in celebration of groups such as frontline workers.

Ordinarily, there is also a convention that no bells are run during the Sacred Triduum - Maundy Thursday to Holy Saturday - so the decision to toll the bell on Maundy Thursday evening is also a break with tradition.

The Curfew Bell will continue to sound at 8.55pm each evening prior to the securing of the Precincts' Gates at 9pm.

The Cathedral is encouraging everyone within earshot to record the tolling of the bell from inside their homes each evening and post it online to share with friends and families.

The Dean of Canterbury, The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, said: “Communities around the world have embraced the idea of clapping hands to thank publicly healthcare staff and other frontline workers at this time.

"We all know that their vital work is undertaken at great personal risk to themselves.

"The bell of Canterbury Cathedral will lend its voice to this display of gratitude and also mark a moment to pause and remember those who have died."

No staff will be present within the building each night.

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