OVER 40 people attended a Worcester vigil to honour MP Jo Cox, after her death last week.

A beacon was lit in Fort Royal Park on Wednesday, June 22, the same date as Ms Cox's birthday.

Candles were put next to pictures of Ms Cox while Worcester City Councillor's delivered speeches during the event.

The vigil organiser, who does not want to be named, was friends with Ms Cox and set up the event after learning about other planned vigils.

Joy Squires, Cllr for Arboretum, said: "I met Jo briefly several times and she was full of life, energy and passion. That's the word that describes her best; passionate.

"She was a very strong advocate for women in the Labour party. My reaction to her death was shock, numbness and disbelief. I still feel all of those things."

In a speech at the vigil, Ms Squires emphasised the huge loss caused by Ms Cox's death.

"Very few of us personally knew Jo Cox, but now many of us feel we know what she stood for," she said.

"We are here at what is one of the highest points in Worcester and at the Malverns some of Ms Cox's friends are gathered, waiting for us to light our beacon."

Worcester City Council Leader Adrian Gregson also made speech at the vigil.

"I was at a vigil last week for the victims of the Orlando massacre and that attempt to divide us, create harm and hatred promoted an outpouring of love," he said.

"There is no escaping that Jo was attacked for her views.

"We need to focus on those things which Jo and many others have fought for, such as social justice for refugees."

Mr Gregson said the only way to be free and safe was to fight extremism in all its forms.

The Council Leader finished his speech by emphasising that above all else Ms Cox was a wife and mother.

Mr Gregson later said: "There have been some divisions and issues in the Labour party recently.

"But one of the really good things coming out in recent years is the number of young and active politicians who are ordinary people. That's what Labour needs and Jo was one of them.

"It's really pleasing to see a large number of people from a range of places at the vigil on this beautiful, peaceful night."

The event sent out a message of solidarity and hope, according to Mr Gregson.

"We live in a democracy and the issue of tolerance is so important. We have to respect each others views, if we cannot do that then we are pretty lost," he said.

Ms Cox was killed on Thursday, June 16.