Skipton Town Council has admitted its error over the early removal of wreaths from the town's cenotaph.
The council sparked anger this week when it took away the wreaths laid on Remembrance Day at the High Street memorial.
Many people thought this was too soon after the event and disrespectful to those in whose memory the wreaths were laid.
Acting chief officer Dave Parker said: "The wreaths were removed on Monday of this week and clearly this shouldn't have happened.
"This is a genuine mistake as a result of a misunderstanding of instructions.
"Skipton Town Council is hugely supportive of the work of the British Legion and does everything it can to honour the memory of those from the Skipton area who have given their lives in conflicts around the world.
"Mistakes do happen, and we are genuinely sorry any offence caused. We will be working with the Legion to ensure the mistake cannot happen again."
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