Remembrance pictures: Commemorations in Horncastle and surrounding villages

Traditional services and parades were banned, because of lockdown restrictions.

There was no George ‘Johnny’ Johnson - the last surviving British Dambuster - in Woodhall Spa - no children lining parade routes as proud veterans marched passed.

However, whether it was socially distanced gatherings of veterans, or families stood outside their front doors, the message was clear - thank you.

Julian Millington, the chairman of the Horncastle Branch of the Royal British Legion, admitted: “I think we were all expecting the latest lockdown, but that doesn’t make anyone look forward to it.

“ Hopefully, this month will be the final one and then we can start to move on.”

Mr Millington admitted the ‘constant uncertainty’ surrounding Remembrance Sunday made planning very difficult.

He added: “I have lost count of how many plans we have had.”

There was a small wreathing lay service outside the town’s War Memorial Hospital . Veterans, though, were told to stay at home.

It was a similar story throughout the area - from Woodhall Spa and Coningsby to Wragby and countless other villages.

Mr Millington said: “It is a great disappointment to me that we could not hold an event.

“However, it is heartening to know so many people observed the two minute silence on their doorsteps, and in their homes, to honour those who fought for our freedom.

“They will not be forgotten, but the way we remembered them had to be different.”

•Poppy Appeal boxes are still on display at businesses allowed to remain open

Woodhall Spa’s proud war-time links mean Remembrance Sunday is always a significant village event.