KEIGHLEY is gearing-up for Remembrance Sunday – which this year will take on a very different look.

Restrictions designed to stop the spread of Covid-19 mean that the usual parade and the outdoor ceremony at the war memorial, in Town Hall Square, won’t take place.

But there will be a memorial service at Keighley Shared Church, for invited guests only.

Starting at 10.30am, it will be streamed live on the Keighley Town Council and church’s Facebook pages.

The town council has been working with the Royal British Legion and town chaplain, the Rev Dr Jonathan Pritchard, to co-ordinate the Covid-secure service.

Members of the public are being encouraged to still observe the two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday – November 8 – from their homes and, if they wish, create poppy displays for their windows.

Town mayor, Councillor Peter Corkindale, said: “Remembrance Sunday is always a very important time of the year for the people of Keighley.

“In normal times, over a thousand people would attend the memorial service. Even though this year we can’t come together to pay tribute to our fallen heroes, we can all remember their sacrifices in our own ways.”

People who usually lay a wreath at the war memorial are being asked to do so between Friday, November 6, and Thursday, November 12, when the gates will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Social distancing must be observed.

This year’s Poppy Appeal has also adopted a changed format.

The Bradford-district launch took place via a recorded video message from the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Doreen Lee.

She says: “The Covid-19 pandemic means that we cannot gather as we normally would and of course it also affects the Poppy Appeal.”

Jackie McGinnis, of the Legion’s Keighley branch, says poppies will be on sale at the tills of most supermarkets.

For people wanting wreaths and items such as wooden crosses, they are currently available weekdays – between 10am and 3pm – from the reception area at Keighley Civic Centre in North Street.

“Payment will be accepted by cash or cheque,” said Jackie. “If paying by cash it will need to be put in a sealed envelope with your name and telephone number, as it has to be stored for 24 hours before we can open and bank it. To gain admission to the centre, please ring me on 07972 727269 when you arrive. Please remember a mask and to use hand sanitiser.” Anyone unable to collect their wreath should contact Jackie to make an alternative arrangement.