Yorkshire Coast residents asked to mark Remembrance Sunday safely

People on the Yorkshire Coast are being asked to mark Remembrance Sunday in a safe way.

In Scarborough, the service at Queen's Street Methodist Church and parade down to the pier has been cancelled.

Maroons are set to be fired at the harbour to signify the start and end of the 11am silence.

Scarborough Army Veteran, John Senior, said:

"What we are hoping to do is continue to encourage people to come to their doorways, or wherever they're happy to do this, and take a moment's silence to remember those that gave their lives, so we can enjoy ours today.

"We will be firing the maroons over the South Bay. So you'll hear a bang at 11am and then at 11.01am there will be another bang which releases you from your moment's silence.

"It will be a huge bang that will reverberate over the South Bay area.

"It's been going on as long as the Lifeboat Station had maroons really. It's been going on since the 11/11/11 was marked down as Remembrance Sunday which I think was 1920 or 1919. So it's been going on for an awfully long time.

"In the old days before we had pagers and telephones, they used to set off a maroon, which was basically a bang in air. A big firework would go up i the air and make a huge thunder clap and that would tell the lifeboat crew that it was time to go and muster at the Lifeboat Station that somebody was in trouble out at sea."

Elsewhere, people are being asked to observe regulations and social distancing if they are going to lay wreaths.

Whitby Town Council said:

"The rules regarding Remembrance have been subject to adjustment. The town council is creating a 'virtual wreath laying' which will be made available via our Facebook page on Sunday morning.

"St Mary's church will be open from 11.30am until 3.00pm on Sunday

"People can come and lay wreaths and also pray in church subject to the current covid restrictions

"Although socially distanced outdoor ceremonies are permitted, this is subject to appropriate risk assessments and controls being in place.

"The town council had already concluded, in consultation with others, that Dock End could not be cordoned to ensure social distancing and so there will be no organised wreath laying at the memorial at 11am.

"Wreaths may, of course, be laid by individuals, household groups or others observing the current regulations and maintaining social distancing."

"The town council is supporting the Royal British Legion's approach."

The RBL has said:

"Despite the changes this year, we are encouraging people across the nations to ensure Remembrance Sunday is still marked appropriately by taking part in remote and socially distanced Remembrance activity, whether that be watching the service on television or pausing for the Two Minute Silence in their home or on their doorsteps."

In Bridlington, there isn't anything official happening, but people can lay wreaths at the War Memorial by maintaining social distancing.