THE ANNUAL Remembrance Day parade in Bridport will still be going ahead this year, organisers have revealed, providing no new government regulations are put in place.

Remembrance events across the country have been scrapped and scaled back drastically amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

But Bridport Town Council has revealed there will still be a parade and service in the town on Sunday, November 8 - with a revised parade route, an outdoor service and measures in place to ensure social distancing is maintained

The event, organised by the council on behalf of the Royal British Legion, will include a parade through the town centre, with the Act of Remembrance and Remembrance Service to follow on the lawn at the Town Council’s Mountfield offices in Rax Lane.

Accompanied by the Wessex Military Band, the socially distanced parade will move from St Mary’s Church at around 10.40am an following inspection by the town mayor, councillor Ian Bark. The mayor will lead the parade before the observance of the traditional two minute silence at Mountfield. A Remembrance service will follow, also at Mountfield.

In line with recent Government guidance permits the safe staging of Remembrance parades, the public will be required to maintain social distancing and to record their attendance. Stewards will be on hand to give instruction, and to collect details from those who are unable to scan ‘QR’ codes using the NHS Covid-19 Track and Trace app. The QR codes will be visible on lamp columns and signposts across the town centre.

Organisers say that while they don't expect attendance to be unmanageable they do have measures in place to restrict access if they feel it is necessary.

Bridport town clerk, Will Austin, said: "We're really pleased the event is able to go ahead and that the community will still be able to pay respects to the men and women who gave their lives for this nation.

"We are asking those who do attend to respect the health and safety of others by practising social distancing and where possible, wearing a mask.

"Social distancing will be enforced by stewards if necessary but we are confident the public will be careful and sensible."

Annual Remembrance Day parades in Lyme Regis and Charmouth have both been cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

Lisa Tuck, clerk to Charmouth Parish Council, said: "Unfortunately, the Parish Council had to make the decision on Tuesday to cancel the parade and service at the war memorial this year.

"Groups are invited to lay wreaths any time on Sunday, November 8."