SOME acts of remembrance went ahead in the form of socially distanced outdoor commemorations across Somerset today (November 8) while many were asked to pay their respects at home.

People were encouraged to hold a two minutes' silence in their home or on their doorsteps at 11am, but for some it was important to show their respects in person.

In Bridgwater a private 2 minute silence and wreath laying ceremony was held at 8.30am in King Square.

Wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Bridgwater Cllr Tony Heywood, the chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Peter Clayton, MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, Ian Liddell-Grainger and chairman for Bridgwater’s branch of the Royal British Legion, Klaus Galeitzke.

In Taunton instead of the usual civic programme of events, this year a series of videos was put on social media by Somerset West and Taunton Council to mark the occasion.

The council encouraged people to pay their respects at home but some people paid their respects by laying wreaths at Taunton's War Memorial in Vivary Park.

Councillors from Mendip District Council laid eco-wreaths made by residents and florists in Mendip's City, towns and rural communities to remember those who died in the two World Wars and other conflicts.

The eco-wreaths were made by Street based florist 'Luce Loves Flowers' and Glastonbury florist 'Abundiflora'. They will be made of wool poppies which have been knitted or crocheted by local residents and they will be reused next year. The bases are made of straw or willow and covered with natural greenery which is all compostable.

The councillors who laid a poppy wreath for Remembrance Day include: Cllr Ros Wyke (Draycott) representing all Mendip rural communities, and Cllr Rob Ayres (City of Wells), Cllr Nick Cottle (Glastonbury), Cllr Chris Inchley (Shepton Mallet), Cllr Liz Leyshon (Street) and Cllr Helen Sprawson-White (Frome).

Cllr Damon Hooton, Armed Forces Community Champion, at Mendip District Council said: "The laying of our poppy wreaths represents how Mendip is united across all faiths, cultures and backgrounds to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from Britain and the Commonwealth.

"We should never forget the personal sacrifice that was made by so many. We will remember them."