Weymouth's Armed Forces Parade celebrations could not go ahead this year as planned, but the key message of remembrance behind the annual celebration was marked by a poignant two-minute silence thanks to staff at the Nothe Fort.

A cannon was shot from the terrace at Nothe Fort in Weymouth on Sunday at 11am, marking the start of a two-minute silence. A second shot was fired at 11.02am to mark the end of the silence and the short ceremony was live streamed on Facebook for people who are stuck indoors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Weymouth Mayor, Cllr Graham Winter, said in a video message on social media: "I'm here to express deep regret that the Town Council can't host the Armed Forces parade this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, when obviously social distancing is a real priority.

"It's a real shame because we have had this event happening in Weymouth for 25 years, this would have been our 26th year, and a lot of people come especially to see the parade and recognise the link we have had with military over the years

"We also get help from the Ministry of Defence as well and this is why we have it a week earlier than the national celebration

"We expect, or we would have expected, over 40,000 visitors so it's a major event for Weymouth and we usually have something like 2,000 people marching. This is current serving military personnel, veterans, local organisations, cadets and so on, culminating in a parade of 80 historic military vehicles - quite a spectacular event.

"However, this will happen next year, where we hope to have a magnificent event.

"Meanwhile, stay safe, look after each other."