PEOPLE in Craven are being encouraged to mark Remembrance Sunday on November 8 in a safe way in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Coronavirus restrictions will mean events this year - the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War - will be small, socially distanced wreath laying instead of the more normal parades and large public gatherings.

Richard Flinton, chairman of the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum said: “We know people will be disappointed that they cannot mark Remembrance Sunday on the scale we usually would, particularly as this is the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

“We understand how important the act of Remembrance is to so many people across North Yorkshire, not least because of the contribution to the county of the large number of armed forces personnel who live and work here.

“Remembrance Sunday is a time of quiet, personal reflection and we can all still take that time to consider the sacrifice of those who have lost their lives in war.”

Some ceremonies will be streamed online. Anyone who does watch a ceremony outdoors on November 8 will have to follow the latest safety measures, including observing the rule of six and social distancing rules. They should also be expected to be asked by event organisers for contact details to enable track and trace, if necessary.

People will also be able to watch the national ceremony on television or observe two minutes’ silence at 11am in their home or on their doorstep with neighbours, making sure they remain socially distanced.