Cheltenham will hold its annual Remembrance Sunday and Armistice services in line with the Government's coronavirus restrictions, but the service planned for Stroud has been called off.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed parades and services could continue outdoors, although Cheltenham's traditional parade of serving personnel and cadets will not take place.

A short service will be held at the War Memorial on the Promenade at 10.55am on Sunday, hosted by Mayor of Cheltenham Councillor Roger Whyborn and Rev Luke Goodway, followed by two-minute's silence at 11am.

Efforts have been made to enable local organisations to lay wreaths.

Remembrance begins at home as service cancelled 

Members of the public are encouraged to watch the ceremony from home where it will be livestreamed on the Cheltenham Borough Council YouTube channel.

Those who choose to attend should ensure they are social distancing and wearing suitable face coverings. There will be no singing or musical performances during the event.

Mr Whyborn said: "Seventy five years on from the end of the Second World War, it seemed to us especially important to remember those who sacrificed with their lives, to uphold the values of freedom and democracy, in spite of the practical limitations created in 2020 by coronavirus.

"Freedom and democracy are things we value and prize, and must never take for granted."

At 10.55am Armistice Day on November 11, the traditional Pause to Remember, sounding of the Last Post, two-minute's silence and Reveille will take place at the War Memorial.

Royal British Legion Cheltenham chairman Roy Roberts said: "Now more than ever, when we are unable to gather as normal in our thousands on the Promenade, it is all the more important those of us who are able, stand in silence to honour those who gave their lives for our freedom, while also thinking of those still affected by conflict who live among us."

Stroud's service to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the country will not happen this year due to the lockdown.

Stroud Town Council had hoped to hold a small private service on Sunday at the Cenotaph in Park Gardens, but it has been cancelled due to the announcement of a second lockdown.

Town mayor Councillor Kevin Cranston said: "We know many of you will be very disappointed about this, but as infection rates rise in the Stroud area, we must all do our bit to make sure that we get on top of this awful situation.

Stroud's service to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the country will not happen this year due to the lockdown.

Stroud Town Council had hoped to hold a small private service on Sunday November 8th at the Cenotaph in Park Gardens.

"The most important thing is that we take time to remember those who sacrificed so much for our country. 

"I would urge everyone to take time at home on Sunday to reflect and pay tribute to those who we owe so much."

The Mayor will make a personal visit to lay a wreath on Sunday on behalf of everyone who would otherwise have been there, as part of his daily exercise.

People are being encouraged to mark the day with a two-minute silence on their doorstep at 11am.