SILENCE fell on Sunday as people across the Vale of Evesham and Pershore remembered fallen servicemen and women who died fighting for their country.

Remembrance Sunday saw services attended by local dignitaries, townsfolk and some from further afield to pay their respects.

In Evesham the parade marched from Market Square along Bridge Street to Abbey Park war memorial, where respects were paid to the fallen during the wreath-laying ceremony before a service at All Saints’ Church.

Mayor Robert Raphael laid the first wreath and spoke of his pride in the service and town.

Chairman of the Evesham branch of the Royal British Legion Jeff King said there had been a large turnout and he was pleased to hear a poem read by Army Cadet Danielle Salter.

In Pershore, the wreathlaying and remembrance service took place inside the Abbey, with more people than ever in attendance, filling the building.

Wreaths were laid at the war memorial and the two minutes’ silence was marked by a fall of poppy petals from above.

The 200-strong parade marched through the town with the salute being taken by the deputy lord lieutenant of Worcestershire David Williams- Thomas, outside the town hall. Pershore also welcomed a special guest from Canada, Charles Baker, the nephew of the late Sgt Alton O’Neil, a rear gunner who died while he was based at RAF Pershore during the Second World War, to its remembrance service.

Earlier in the week about 150 people attended the annual service of remembrance at the Cross of Sacrifice at Pershore Cemetery.

On Thursday a service was held at Pershore High School, where its Roll of Honour was updated.