Sandwich residents stayed at home as the mayor of the town led a hugely scaled back Remembrance Sunday service.

Only a handful of people attended the ceremony at the war memorial in Market Street while the hundreds who would usually turn out paid their respects from the familiar surroundings of their homes.

In keeping with lockdown restrictions, it was officially attended by only the Mayor and Mayoress of Sandwich, Cllr Paul and Sue Graeme, and conducted by his chaplain, the Rev Canon Mark Roberts.

In honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a bugler played The Last Post followed by the exhortation.

Two minutes silence was observed before the bugler played Reveille. There were prayers and blessings before a single wreath was laid by Cllr Graeme on behalf of the town.

He said: “It was with sadness, but the utmost seriousness that residents were not invited to join us at the War Memorial, but to observe the silence in the quiet reflection of their homes.

"Although residents were missed, I felt that the town was with us in spirit."

The Rev Roberts said: “Remembrance Sunday has been observed this year in difficult and different circumstances.

"However, whatever the circumstances, it has been essential to honour the Fallen in the very best way we can.

"We must never forget their sacrifice and the debt that we owe."

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