A SMALL wreath laying service will replace this year's Remembrance Sunday Parade in Stourport due to coronavirus restrictions.

The annual Remembrance Parade and service, which was set to take place on November 8, has been cancelled as a result of the government's guidelines on mass gatherings and social distancing.

A meeting of Stourport Town Council was held remotely via Zoom on September 8, where it was decided that it would not be possible to keep everyone safe if the parade went ahead.

Mayor of Stourport Ken Henderson said: "Due to Covid-19, the town's Remembrance Parade and service will need to be kept to the absolute minimum with invited persons in their dignitary capacity.

"The safety of the small number of people taking part and providing remembrance on behalf of the town is the main priority and we ask spectators not to attend this year.

"Only those invited persons will lay a wreath with a one-way system to ensure that social distancing guidelines are adhered to.

"The roll of honour for the fallen will be read, followed by prayers of remembrance and a two minute silence."

The town council is instead inviting residents to show their respect by standing outside their homes at 11am on Remembrance Sunday to join a two-minute silence which will be streamed live via the town council's Facebook page.