Council announces Remembrance Services will be held online next month

Officials at North Tyneside Council have taken the decision not to go ahead with its annual services and parades because of the ongoing restrictions and the need to protect visitors and residents.

Services and parades are normally held in Whitley Bay, North Shields, Wallsend, Forest Hall, and Longbenton.

Instead, residents who wish to pay their respects will be invited to follow a pre-recorded service online and observe a two-minute silence on Sunday, November 8.

North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “Here in North Tyneside we have always supported and honoured the commitment of our veterans, serving personnel and their families, so it is with great sadness that we have to announce this.

“We know that not being able to pay our respects together at local cenotaphs like we usually would is an unwelcome break from tradition for many, but the health and safety of our visitors and residents continues to be our priority.

“On Sunday, November 8, a pre-recorded service will incorporate footage from cenotaphs, and include wreath laying, prayers and words from the Royal British Legion branch chairmen.

"We hope residents will join the service online where possible and we encourage everyone to pay their respects by observing the two-minutes silence at 11am.”

Further information on how to access the service online will be circulated in advance on the council’s social media channels as well as via its website – www.northtyneside.gov.uk