More than 400 people joined a regional publisher’s virtual event aimed at helping people with mental health issues.

Archant’s annual ‘Open Up’ event was held online this year due to the pandemic, with readers logging on to an all-day web seminar to discuss, educate and debate mental health.

Former Blue Peter presenter and Sky Sports host Simon Thomas joined Eastern Daily Press editor David Powles to discuss dealing with grief, following the death of his wife three years ago

The debate was hosted live by BBC Radio Norfolk.

David said: “After the success of the first Open Up conference 12 months ago, in which hundreds of people attended and many said how helpful they’d found it, we were keen to make it an annual thing.

“In fact, given the struggles many are currently facing, it felt more important than ever before.

“Lockdown presented a big challenge, however, and we were concerned people were growing tired of spending their time on their computers and laptops watching another thing over zoom.

“But we were able to pull together a fantastic programme of interesting and varied speakers and debates.

“All of them had something relevant to add to the conversation and that’s why I think the day itself was such a success.”