North West Leicestershire District Council says the stencilled poppy next to the War Memorial in Coalville is 'a small but fitting way to demonstrate our pride'.

The design appeared on the pavement in Memorial Square this week to mark Remembrance Sunday.

There will be no parade as usual this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and current lockdown.

So North West Leicestershire District Council has made a gesture of its own.

And there is also a stencil design in Whitwick which is also pictured.

The council also had a stencilled design placed next to the War Memorial in Ashby.

Councillor Tony Gillard, North West Leicestershire District Council's Armed Forces Champion, said: "Councillors and council staff were all disappointed not to be able to host our usual Remembrance parades and services this year.

"But we were determined to look for alternative ways to show that our Armed Forces and their sacrifices are still a huge part of our thoughts.

"The stencilled poppies are a small but fitting way to demonstrate our pride and thanks to those that have given their service and often their lives for us in war, and those that serve today to keep us all safe.

"We hope everyone enjoys the poppies and will join us all by observing the two-minute silence from homes across the district on Sunday morning at 11am."

Remembrance Day commemorations have been cancelled in Coalville this year.

Cllr Stuart Gillard for Whitwick said: "I thought this would be a good idea under the current circumstances in line with the war memorial in Whitwick and then expanded out to Coalville and Ashby.

"Thanks for all the support from Nprth West Leicestershire District Council and hopefully we will see more next year."

Last month, the council said: "All agreed that while remembering the fallen and their sacrifice is important as ever this Remembrance Sunday, preventing the spread of Covid-19 and ultimately saving lives must take priority.

"The public are being encouraged to remember and commemorate safely from their homes, taking part in the two-minute silence, displaying poppies in windows and tuning into televised services."

The Ashby and Whitwick branches of the Royal British Legion jointly said: "We are in full support of the remembrance parades not taking place this year, the safety of the public is a priority.

"This does not mean that you should not take the time to remember safely at home. You can pay your respects and show your support by joining in at the 11am two minute silence and by displaying a poppy in your window, garden or even by supporting the poppy appeal this year.

"Your support is needed now more than ever, you can make a donation to the appeal by visiting our website: HERE."