SHOPS in Sidmouth are being invited to once again compete for the best Poppy Window marking Remembrance Day.

SHOPS in Sidmouth are being invited to once again compete for the best Poppy Window marking Remembrance Day.

For the first time this year, Eileen Hodges president of Sidmouth branch of the Royal British Legion, has provided a silver cup for smaller shops to compete for.

Larger shops, such as Knights, will still compete for the George Hodges Shield, given by Eileen in memory of her husband George, a past chairman and parade marshal.

Three judges, including Eileen and poppy appeal organiser Liz Langham, will begin judging windows in the week beginning November 2.

"We would like to see more shops taking part this year," said Mrs Hodges.

"We had 11 last year, but the year before we had 17."

Any theme relating to Remembrance Day and its poppy symbol, can be depicted.

Although Sidmouth Parish Church will be closed for Sidmouth's Remembrance Day service on Sunday, November 8, there will be the usual parade through the town for war veterans, RBL and service representatives.

Wreaths will be laid at the war memorial by the parish church by Sidmouth Town Council and other town representatives as well as servicemen and women.

This will be followed by a service at the United Reformed Church, Church Lane.

Sidbury's Remembrance Day events will start at the village war memorial followed by a service at the church.

In Sidford there will be an evening service starting at 6.45pm at St Peter's Church.

On Wednesday, November 11, a service of remembrance together with Sidbury School, will take place in St Giles' churchyard, Sidbury, at 10.45am.