The Lord Mayor of Canterbury has called on "our common humanity to unite us" on the day which should have seen thousands take to the city's streets for its annual Pride celebration.

Pride Canterbury was one of the many events which had to be shelved as a result of the pandemic and the lockdown measures introduced.

But speaking on what should have been this year's LGBTQ event, Lord Mayor Terry Westgate used it as an opportunity to call for unity.

He said: "Leading the Pride Canterbury parade through the city in 2019 was one of the proudest moments in my time as Lord Mayor, even if I wasn’t the most colourful of the participants in my dark suit.

“It is an event that shows off the desire of the district to welcome everyone with open arms regardless of their sexuality.

“While our differences are there to be cherished and celebrated, our common humanity should unite us at a time when we are facing this destructive disease together.

“The pressures of lockdown have pushed many of us to our limits and nobody has been immune from the stresses and the strains caused by the virus.

“I am proud to represent a district that has welcomed people from the outside for centuries because of the cathedral and more recently because of our universities. It is a tolerant, respectful and resilient place and long may that continue.

“We will need to work together like never before to emerge from this crisis stronger, more resilient and ready for whatever life throws at us next because one thing is certain - the challenges are set to come thick and fast.”

While the parade has been called off, Canterbury City Council has raised the Pride flag in the Dane John Gardens today, and will then fly the flag at its offices in Military Road.

In addition, the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, in the city centre, and Pride are working closely together on a joint Pride celebration planned for a few weeks' time when the Beaney reopens.

Last year some 20,000 people took part in the city event.