COMMEMORATIONS to mark Remembrance Day in Ringwood are being scaled back due to Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings.

Ringwood Town Council announced plans had been cancelled for the Remembrance Day civic services, together with the procession through the town and the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial.

Instead, the service on Sunday, November 8, at the war memorial will be live streamed.

The mayor of Ringwood, Tony Ring, said: “Whilst it is with considerable regret that we have had to reduce our plans for Remembrance Day this year, it would be inappropriate and inexcusable for there to be no recognition of Remembrance.

“We are currently in the process of arranging to film and live stream a Remembrance Service at the War Memorial on Sunday, November 8, at which representatives from the town council, churches and Royal British Legion will attend. This will allow people to view the service and pay their respects from the safety of their own homes.”

Organisers are requesting that the public do not attend the War Memorial on November 8 from 10.30am to 11.30am to allow for the service to go ahead.

Individuals and organisations wishing to place wreaths and individual tributes at the War Memorial are invited to do so before the service.

Followers online will be able to view the service, which will include the Last Post to begin the national two minute silence at 11am, followed by Reveille.

A short service will follow with prayers and the laying of two wreaths.

Details on how to view the service will be made available at ringwood.gov.uk.

In Verwood, a short service will be held at the Memorial Stone on Ferrett Green, which will be live streamed on Facebook, and Forest FM will also broadcast the service.

Verwood Town Council is asking residents not to attend the service.

However the Memorial Stone’s gates will be open from 8am to 6pm on Sunday for all to lay their wreaths and crosses during the day.