The Glade of Light memorial to the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing has scooped a top national award.

The memorial was unveiled by the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Kate, in May last year to mark the fifth anniversary of the atrocity.

The Civic Trust said the installation has become a significant place in the heart of Manchester for the personal and communal process of remembrance, grieving and healing.

Judges praised the “purity and simplicity” of the design’s marble circle, saying it “references the infinite and the eternal”.

Joanne Roney OBE, chief executive of Manchester City Council, said: “The Glade of Light memorial is a peaceful place for remembrance and reflection, both private and collective.

“I know that all those involved in this project, and who put so much care and love into it, were honoured to be working on the memorial and will be humbled that it has been recognised in this way.”

Judges wrote of the design: “The names of the loved ones taken away have been inlaid in bronze within each unique block of marble.

“Nestled beneath the bronze hearts set around the circle are memory capsules, within which the bereaved families have left special memories, private messages and meaningful mementos.

“The abstracted design is ultimately an emotional as well as intellectual response to the ineffability of sorrow and loss.”

The suicide bombing in May 2017 after an Ariana Grande concert at the Arena claimed 22 lives and left hundreds more people injured.

(Source: Manchester Evening News)