THE Remembrance parade scheduled for Ferndown has been cancelled, the town council has confirmed.

Due to the current coronavirus restrictions and the concerns surrounding social distancing, the town council said the parade and service cannot “reasonably take place”.

A spokesperson said: “It is a priority to protect residents and in the best interests of the community it has been concluded that an inclusive parade and service cannot reasonably take place within current social distancing rules.

“This has been a difficult decision for the Town Council, Royal British Legion and St Mary’s Church to make as the parade and service is such an important date in the town’s diary.

“The service this year will take the format of a pre-recorded service which has been compiled by St Mary’s Church and will be broadcast from 3pm on Sunday November 8.

“The link will be circulated via St Mary’s Church Facebook page and website and will be shared by the Town Council and Royal British Legion.

“The Royal British Legion will be holding a short service in its Garden of Remembrance on Remembrance Sunday morning and Armistice Day where numbers will be kept to a minimum.

“As this is a small space and in the interest of social distancing, people are discouraged to attend but are welcome to visit after the service to mark their respect but are reminded that they must observe the rule of six and social distancing rules.”