Manchester Cathedral held a memorial service on Thursday to honour the lives of those who died to Covid-19 in the Greater Manchester area. 

The socially distanced ceremony with only 70 guests didn't have singing and was live streamed for the public. 

The service also marked the launch of an online book of remembrance which enables locals to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the region. 

Very Rev Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester Cathedral, told Premier he hopes it's a way to help people find closure while processing death. 

"We don't know how long the pandemic is going to continue for. It could go on for another year, another two years and people are in limbo, there's no closure for many people.

"Many people have not been able to visit their loved ones prior to their deaths because of the lockdown advice. They've not being able to say goodbye to their loved ones in hospital, and they've not be able to have a private viewing of their loved one because of the virus, it's all sealed coffins. So there's no closure whatsoever. 

Very Reverend Rogers Govender, Dean of Manchester by PA, Martin Rickett

"Many people are extremely distressed. So many are really battling spiritually and struggling emotionally. 

"We can't perform miracles in that sense. All we can do is provide one or two opportunities like this memorial book to try and help people along the way."

People who have been bereaved will be able to upload the name and personal details of their loved one, together with a picture and a personal tribute.

The tributes will also be available for everyone to read.

Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: "It has been heart-breaking over the past few months to hear people's personal stories of how they have been affected by the loss of a relative or friend.

Andy Burnham, by PA, Martin Rickett​​​​​​

"We look after each other in Greater Manchester and I hope this memorial will allow us to show the love and care that is felt for those who died.

"I hope also that this memorial will allow our community to pay particular tribute to those who worked in health and social care and who died of this disease.

"We will never forgot them and their service to our communities."

Listen to the interview with Very Rev Rogers Govender here: