Jo Cox: Events to be held to celebrate the life of the MP on the first anniversary of her death

Brendan Cox says there is 'no more fitting tribute' for his wife

Ms Cox was shot and stabbed on 16 June last year as she arrived for a constituency surgery in Birstall, West Yorkshire (PA)

More than 100,000 events will be held around the country to celebrate the life of Jo Cox on the one year anniversary of her death.

The 41-year-old mother of two was shot and stabbed by a far right extremist in Birstall, in her constituency of Bateley and Spen on 16 June 2016.

To mark the anniversary of her death her family and friends have urged people to hold events that celebrate her life.

The Great Get Together, will see a series of picnics, street parties and concerts run across the weekend.

Kim Leadbeater, Ms Cox’s sister, said the events had nothing to do with religion or politics.

"Nothing to do with anything other than getting together with people in your communities," Ms Leadbeater told the BBC. "People are desperate for it - people want something that is about coming together and being positive."

The event is intended to bring people together and Ms Cox's widower, Brendan, said there could be "no more fitting tribute" to his wife.

"When Jo was killed a year ago it took the heart out of our family,” Mr Cox told The Telegraph. "The first emotion was shock, both numbing and shattering. That in time gave way to a grief that remains very fresh, very raw and continues to hit us in vicious waves when we least expect it. But our family has not been broken."

It is thought that more than 100,000 events have been planned from 16 June to 18 June.