REMEMBRANCE Sunday is to go virtual in Alva this year amid the coronavirus crisis.

Under normal circumstances, people in the Hillfoots town would gather at the war memorial on November 8 after a morning service at Alva Parish Church.

However, churches and community organisations in the town will not be encouraging people to come together as a crowd following a rising number of Covid-19 cases in the central belt.

In a joint statement Legion Scotland Clackmannanshire & District, the churches and community organisations of Alva said: "With the current Covid restrictions we have, after much thought, we've come to the conclusion that it would not be responsible for us to encourage people to gather in that way this year so regrettably the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial is cancelled and the service at Alva Parish Church will be a normal Sunday service.

"However, recognising the importance of Remembrance Sunday to our community in acknowledging the sacrifice made by so many, a short Act of Remembrance will be recorded in advance and will be available on Sunday, November 8, by 11am via the Facebook pages and websites of the parish church, the Baptist church, the community council and shared by other organisations taking part."

A limited number of DVDs of the recording will also be available.

Anyone who would like one delivered is asked to call 01259 606 303 and use option five after the recorded message by this Sunday, November 1, leaving their name, address and phone number.

Individuals and organisations who would like to lay a wreath on the day are encouraged to make their own personal arrangements to do so, with the appropriate coronavirus precautions.

The joint statement added: "Although we are unable to gather to share in an Act of Remembrance please take time individually to pause and remember those who gave their lives so that we may live with the freedoms we enjoy."