Due to the current pandemic, the Midsomer Norton and Radstock branch of the Royal British Legion has been advised that there will be no fundraising this year, only the act of Remembrance.

Alison Wilson Poppy Appeal Organiser, told The Journal: "This means that the Branch will not be carrying out any shop, street, school or manned collections. Some supermarkets are serviced directly from The Royal British Legion, London, and that may still happen.

"Therefore, on behalf of the Branch, may I take this opportunity to thank all the outlets, collectors and supporters for the wonderful job normally carried out each year and hope that you will still be available for next year.

"Those people/organisations who in the past have purchased a wreath and who wish to do so again this year, will be pleased to know that the Branch have ordered the wreaths early and they are in stock and ready for 8th November.

"At this time, the Branch do not know exactly what format, if any, the Remembrance Day will take, but in the worst-case scenario, whereby people are not allowed to attend, the Branch will lay all wreaths on behalf of everyone.

"The Branch are in the final stages of planning to Dress the Graves of those local people who appear on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the local cemeteries. This will take the format of a poppy spray being laid on each grave and families may attend, within the bounds of any social distancing rules, and may lay a wooden cross.

"A Poppy Spray will also be laid on the grave of George Taylor, a founder member of the Branch. The Operational Plan is available on request. Please email: [email protected] to request a copy. However, the current Pandemic could enforce changes to the proposed programme.

"Due to the environmental aspects of each graveyard over which the Branch have no control, the ceremonies are not public events, however, it is expected that families, friends and veterans will wish to attend. Therefore, from a Health and Safety aspect, The Branch are obliged to advise anyone attending any of the nine ceremonies that they should proceed with the utmost care."