THE official opening of a West Somerset churchyard gate in memory of the late Queen Elizabeth II next week has been postponed.

The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Gate will replace an old rickety wooden gate at St George’s Church, Bicknoller.

It will be set at the entrance to the Grade I listed church’s garden of remembrance and was due to be unveiled on Tuesday.

However, a manufacturing issue has forced a delay to the proceedings and the opening has been rescheduled for October 19 instead.

Award-winning West Country Blacksmiths, in Allerford, which is owned by brothers Kyle and Kieren Roberts, has designed and is making the gate.

It was funded after an appeal to all 228 villagers to each contribute £20 after the project was proposed by Alastair Greswell.

Bicknoller parish councillors have given their support for the scheme but said they were unable to contribute financially to a church project.