The usually packed scene at Deal Victoria Memorial Hospital was replaced with a small socially distanced gathering this Remembrance Sunday.

The Royal British Legion Downs Branch organised a significantly reduced capacity event with invited dignitaries observing strict social distancing rules.

These included MP Natalie Elphicke, chairman of Dover District Council Mike Connolly, Mayor of Deal Eileen Rowbotham and chairman of Walmer Parish Council, James Murray.

Youth groups and organisations involving children were sorely missed this year, vice chairman and Remembrance secretary, Malcolm Gibbons told KentOnline.

He said: "It was very strange. Normally on Remembrance Sunday, it would be packed.

"We especially missed the young people, the cadets and the youth organisations but we understand the situation and it was for their safety they were not included.

"Despite the restrictions everybody obeyed the rules and it went very well.

"One or two members of the public did come along but they stood at a distance."

The service, conducted by the Rev John Lines, began with a two minute silence. Bugler Andy Cornish RM played The Last Post.

Only two standard bearers took part in proceedings, rather than the usual eight.

Mrs Elphicke said: “I want to thank Malcolm and his team at the Royal British Legion Downs Branch for arranging such a poignant, well organised service under such difficult circumstances.

"Remembrance Sunday is an incredibly important day. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to mark the occasion and give thanks on behalf of our community.”

The 12th Deal Air Scout Group were due to hold a small socially distanced ceremony at St John’s Church in Kingsdown, but it was called off following the implementation of a second official lockdown last Thursday.

Instead, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts were asked to honour the two minutes silence wearing full uniform from home, as shown by siblings Lily and Samuel Bremner.

Group leader Jim Wheeler placed poppy crosses around the church grounds on behalf of each section.

Respects were also paid to Sqn Ldr Anthony Downing, a former Dover Grammar School for Boys student, from Kingsdown.

He died on December 23, 2011, after the vehicle he was travelling in was hit by an explosion south of Kabul, Afghanistan and is laid to rest at St John the Evangelist Church.

Goodwin Academy created a Wall of Remembrance to be admired by staff members, pupils or visitors passing through the school's canteen.

Each pupil crafted the paper item during tutor time and wrote a personalised message of thanks or remembrance. It was assembled by sixth form prefects.

Principal Simon Smith said: "It offers a touching gesture, and small token of our appreciation as a school.

"It was lovely to see that all of our students are thinking about, and offering support to our local community and wider society.

"Particularly as we continue into uncertain times, please join Goodwin Academy and display a poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope for a positive future."

Read more: All the latest news from Deal