A REMEMBRANCE Day parade has been cancelled after the death of the woman described as its "driving force".

Jean Luffman had organised the parade by the Swanley, Crockenhill and Hextable Branch of the Royal British Legion for the past 24 years.

But in August Mrs Luffman died after battling a short illness and the branch has been unable to find anyone to step into the breach at such short notice.

This means for the first time since 1980, the popular parade, scheduled for Sunday, will not take place.

Branch secretary Jacky Allen said: "Jean and her husband have been heavily involved since the start and she was the real driving force behind the parade.

"After she died it was too short notice to do anything this time but hopefully the parade will run as normal next year.

"The only problem is we need more, younger volunteers to help us and follow Jean's example."

The usual afternoon wreath-laying ceremony will still take place, at St Mary's Church, in St Mary's Road, Swanley, from 2.40pm.