A socially distanced memorial service to remember the men of the Dover Patrol took place in St Margaret’s on Sunday.

The service, dedicated to the 2,000 men who died keeping the Dover Strait clear of enemy submarines during the First World War, was attended by less than 30 people.

The annual event was organised by The Downs Branch of the Royal British Legion and officiated by The Downs Branch Padre Rev John Lines MBE.

Held at Leathercote Point on the cliffs, a total of 12 wreaths were laid including by the Mayor of Sandwich Cllr Paul Graeme and Deal town councillor David Cronk.

RBL Downs Branch vice chairman and remembrance secretary Malcolm Gibbons said: "This was a very low key event to comply with Covid-19 government restriction regarding large groups gathering of no more than 30 people.

"There were no standard bearers, bands, parade or singing of hymns.

"A small number of district, town, and parish councillors attended as well as local legion branches in attendance and the trustee for The Dover Patrol Memorial."

The Dover Patrol was a fleet of ships set up during the First World War because so many merchant ships had been lost in the English Channel.

Its ships laid down mines and escorted merchant ships safely through the Strait of Dover.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover