Grantham's Remembrance Day commemerations will be a low key affair this year due to the pandemic.

Due to the prospect of continued social distancing regulations the Royal British Legion has this year cancelled such parades across the country.

It means that the popular Grantham parade, which is supported by thousands, will not be happening on Sunday November 8.

Instead, Grantham's Mayor elect Coun Dean Ward will be leading a small-scale ceremony at the War Memorial in the grounds of St Wulfram's Church, followed by a second wreath laying on St Peter's Hill.

The event, organised by Grantham Charter Trustees, will take place at 11am, subject to permission from Father Stuart, whom they hope will say a few words and lead the prayers.

Charter Trustee Coun Ray Wootten said: "We can only invite 30 people socially distanced to be there. There will be a wreath laid and of course if the virus goes into a lockdown then we can easily cancel.

"The Royal Logistics Corp have agreed to be present and has local MP Gareth Davies. Representative of the other services will be invited."

"We are also looking to lay a wreath at the Post 1945 memorial on St Peters Hill. The Brutish Legion representative will be invited."

Coun Dean Ward, who will formally became Grantham's Mayor next month, says the St Wulfram's event will feature wreath laying from the Charter Trustees and Council Leader Kelham Cooke on behalf of South Kesteven District Council.

Coun Ward confirmed a second wreath laying at the memorial on St Peter's Hill outside the council offices.

"Everything will be outside. We won't be doing anything in the church. And there will be a maximum of 30 people due to social distancing."

"It will be a fully-robed event, my first official function as mayor, which will be fantastic."

Asked if as an ex-serviceman that this year's low key commemrations are sad, Coun Ward continued: "The world is a funny place but next year everything will be back to normal. It will still be good."

Coun Ward will formally become Grantham's Mayor on September 17. Grantham's Charter trustees decided that due to the pandemic, Grantham's current mayor Adam Stokes would serve an extra four months, with Dean serving 20 months.

The Mayor Making ceremony will also be toned down and limited to a maximum of 30 people, as will the reception afterwards in the ballroom of the Guildhall.

"You've got to have a Watkin's buffet!", he added, referring to the Grantham butchers, famous for its pork pies and sausage rolls.