MANY towns and villages tried to ensure that the Remembrance Sunday events went ahead in a way that ensured the safety of all those involved.

Penrith was one place to hold a remembrance service with Covid-19 social distancing guidelines in place.

The town council arranged for representatives that usually take part in the parade to lay wreaths at the war memorial over a two-hour period.

Each representative had a five minute slot – Lord Inglewood, the deputy high sheriff; Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border; and the mayor of Penrith were among the representatives to lay their wreaths.

Dr Hudson said: “I was honoured to take part in ceremonies and lay a wreath outside St Andrew’s, Penrith and in St John’s in Garrigill, on Remembrance Sunday.

“It is as important as ever to take time to pay our respects to the memory of the servicemen and women from Britain and the Commonwealth who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation and the values we hold dear.

“I want to thank everyone who meticulously organised these modified and restricted ceremonies this year. It is so important that these services were able to go ahead. We must never forget.”

At 11am, the church bells rang out as silence descended upon those in attendance.

Chris Ford from Penrith Town Band played the Last Post before the Rev David Sargeant read out the Citation.