THE nation will fall silent today in remembrance of those who lost their lives - and the many others affected - by the Manchester Arena terror attack one year ago.

On May 22 last year, scores of Ariana Grande fans and their families packed into the arena to see the US pop star in concert.

But what should have been an evening of fun and celebration turned to carnage and tragedy when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a home-made device in the foyer of the arena.

Twenty two people - including children - were killed in the attack and hundreds more were left with physical and psychological injuries in the blast.

The tragedy touched every part of the UK, including the Wharfedale district, where many people had travelled from to watch the concert.

Otley mum-of-two Wendy Fawell, 50, was killed in the blast and her friend Caroline Davis Osborne, also from Otley, suffered shrapnel wounds and a dislocated shoulder.

They were in the foyer of the arena as they waited for the show to finish so they could collect their children.

Caroline's sister Karen Osborne posted this message on the Otley - Our Town Facebook page on Tuesday: "Thinking of all my family today especially my sister Caroline Davis [who attended the memorial service at Manchester Cathedral] sorry I can't be there with you but I'll be thinking of you all. "And the 22 angels and the survivors and their families, just come home safe xxx." The day before she had said: "Tomorrow is going to be an emotional day for Manchester as we remember the 22 that sadly lost their lives and those whose lives have changed forever since the Manchester attack. "Twelve months have passed and the events of that night are still raw and everyone is still hurting. "Tonight before you go to sleep say a little prayer for those deeply affected by that senseless attack and those left behind that are living in pain, over the loss of a loved one, who won’t be sleeping tonight." Otley Town Mayor Councillor Mary Vickers invited people to meet her at the Maypole at 2.30pm on Tuesday to join the national minute's silence. The flag of Old Otliensians RUFC, which has been flying over the past week to mark the club's victorious season, was also lowered as mark of respect to the Fawell family and everyone else affected. The rugby club issued this statement: "Everybody associated with Old Otliensians RUFC wishes to pay our respect to all of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing, especially to the Fawell family."

Eve Senior, 15, was leaving the concert with her mum Natalie and younger sister Emilia, 12, when the bomb was detonated.

The Queensbury youngster was left with a catalogue of injuries, including 18 shrapnel wounds and burns to her leg, in the deadly attack and is still receiving treatment 12 months on.

The brave teen hit headlines just before Christmas, when she spoke of her joy at returning to the stage for a special dance show.

Eve and Emilia’s story will feature on the BBC’s Manchester: The Night of the Bomb documentary which will air this evening.

The girl’s dad Andrew Senior, Conservative councillor for Queensbury, said the family are still in turmoil, but said: “You’ve got look at the positives, you’ve got to try and keep a smile on your face otherwise you would go mad.”

They are due to travel to Manchester today to take part in a service in the city’s cathedral.

Mr Senior, 42, said: “We are going to have a day on our own terms, I think that’s our way of dealing with that day [the anniversary].

“I don’t know how people come to terms with it, it’s really hard.”

He added: “I just think I’m so lucky, lucky to have them, so lucky they came back.”

Mr Senior said he was “extremely proud” of his girls and added: “They have been amazingly strong.

“I can’t believe where they are and how far they have come. There’s a long way to go, but they are still fighting hard.”

He praised the Victim Support charity for its work in helping them, as well as Council colleagues and friends and family in the community.

Meanwhile, Martin Hibbert, who lived in Wibsey, but has since moved to Bolton, was left with

injuries described as the equivalent of ‘being shot 22 times at point blank range’ and suffered a T10 complete spinal injury in the attack.

The 41-year-old was stood just 10 metres away from the bomb when it detonated.

Despite his horrific injuries, Mr Hibbert hopes to walk again in the future and recently underwent pioneering treatment in Australia which saw him regain movement in his toes after just two days. He has more treatment planned for later in the year.

A minute’s silence will be held at 2.30pm today in Bradford’s Centenary Square.

The service will be attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Zafar Ali, and the Very Reverend Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford.

Before the minute’s silence at 2.30pm, the Very Reverend Jerry Lepine Dean of Bradford will lead with words and prayers at 2.20pm.

People are welcome to attend to observe the silence and pay their respects.