A COMMUNITY group focussed on acceptance and inclusivity has paid remembrance to a murdered politician who made it her life’s work to spread that very message.

The Great Get Together Summer Fun Night held an evening of games and entertainment in a bid to bring the community together whilst remembering labour MP Jo Cox.

Mrs Cox died on June 16, 2016, after being shot and stabbed in Birstall by a constituent who held far-right views and was later sentenced to life imprisonment.

Group organiser Angela Rogers hoped the community gathering promoted a message of universal welcome.

She said: “This started off as a weekly family cafe but we’ve been running for nearly 12 months now.

“It’s an inclusive space where everyone is welcomed and accepted.”

Mrs Rogers set up the group after noticing a demand for a social club in the community.

She said: “We saw a demand for this by the people in the community.

“We just wanted to bring everyone together and make them feel welcome.”

Mrs Rogers hopes the group advocates Jo Cox’ message of acceptance and welcome.

She said: “I think the message of the group links with Jo’s philosophy that no matter what your age, ethnicity or background is, we are open to all.

“It was important to us to make sure this was as inclusive as possible.”

Barrow MP John Woodcock was in attendance to remember the life of his friend.

He said: “It’s great that the Jo Cox Foundation is encouraging people to remember Jo by carrying on her work.

“She did so much work to tackle the problem of loneliness and divisiveness which we are trying to continue.”

Mr Woodcock hopes more people will make use of the ‘invaluable’ community groups in the area.

He said: “We need to help get the message out to more people that there is no need to sit at home alone.”

The group’s next social gathering will take place at St Aidan’s Church in Barrow next month.