In years to come, 2020 will be immortalised as the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. One local author is ahead of the game and has created a unique record of the “extraordinary but tragic year,” by plotting out the year’s key events in more than 230 black-and-white illustrations. There are 50 pages featuring the difficult challenges many have faced and the phenomenal resilience of the UK’s National Health Service. Retired civil engineer John C Mather, who lives in Thursby, pays tribute to everyone who has suffered during the pandemic and also wanted to show his gratitude for all medical staff and frontline workers who have strived, often without recognition or reward, to keep everyone safe.