RESIDENTS of Winchester have been thanked for their books of condolence following the terrorist attacks at Manchester Arena and Finsbury Park.

The people of the city were thanked by the lord mayor of Manchester Cllr Eddy Newman, and Islington London Borough Council leader Cllr Richard Watts.

The books were opened following the attacks on May 22 and June 19 for the hundreds of local people wishing to express sadness at the events and write supportive messages intended to support those affected.

Situated in the Tourist Information Centre in the Guildhall and online, the books were signed by residents, visitors and representatives of Winchester businesses.

Cllr Newman said: “I want to thank you, your colleagues and the citizens of Winchester for the condolence book received following the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

“It truly helped to know that the people of Manchester were in your thoughts during these difficult days and we appreciate your friendship and concern.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Manchester will recover from this terrible tragedy and emerge a more resilient and cohesive city.”

Cllr Watts said: “I was touched by all the thoughtful messages of solidarity and condemnation. I am proud of the strength and determination the community of Islington has demonstrated in the wake of this hateful incident.

“The people of the borough and beyond have pulled together and shown through their enormous support and concern for the victims that we do indeed have more in common than the things that divide us.”

Mayor of Winchester, councillor David McLean said: “All across the UK people were deeply shocked by these incidents. As a community Wintonians stand together with Mancunians and Londoners, and our gestures of support showed that local people wanted to reach out to those affected to assure them that that they were not alone.”