HORWICH'S remembrance parade has been cancelled this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The day last year included the town mayor leaving a wreath at the Locomotive Estate War Memorial, followed by a parade through the town for a service at the Garden of Remembrance.

However the event, which usually attracts a large crowd from the community, has had to be cancelled in light of the ongoing pandemic.

It comes after parades were ruled out at a council meeting last week.

Cllr Craig Rotheram, chairman of the Royal British Legion Horwich branch, said: “In light of current advice from national and local government on social distancing restrictions due to Covid-19, Horwich Town Council and the Horwich branch of the Royal British Legion have made the decision to cancel this year’s Remembrance Sunday Parade and services at the Loco Works War Memorial and at the cenotaph at the garden of remembrance on Lever Park Avenue.

“It was felt the practicalities of attempting to organize a system of social distancing would be impossible due to the large numbers attending and the resources required and it would not be possible to manage public safety in line with current government guidance.

“We are advising anyone who wishes to lay a wreath may do so individually over the Remembrance Sunday weekend, taking responsibility for their own safety and following national and local guidelines when visiting the memorials. Poppy wreaths can be ordered by contacting Deighan’s Funeral Parlour on 01204 694999.”