THOUSANDS of people took part in Remembrance Sunday events in the Evesham area this year, with special ceremonies to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

In Evesham, the Royal British Legion met at the Market Square and then paraded to the war memorial for a service.

Cllr Mark Goodge, Mayor of Evesham, said the event was well attended.

“I was very pleased with the turnout for it," he told the Journal.

"It was good to see so many people there for it and the light-up ceremony in the evening was also well attended at the memorial. This launched the new lights as well as commemorating the end of World War One.”

Cllr Goodge continued: “It was an excellent turn out for the parade. I don’t think I have ever seen so many people at the parade or the service.”

In Pershore, the day started with a lone piper playing on top of the abbey tower at 6am.

This was followed by a memorial service at the war grave in the cemetery, attended by members of the Royal British Legion.

This was followed by a service in the abbey and then a parade.

“Some people had to listen to the service from outside the abbey because there were so many people there," said town clerk Ann Dobbins. "We put speakers outside.”

“It was a very memorable day” she added.

In the evening the beacon was lit at the top of Hillway by the town cryer and the mayor, the Bredon Hill beacon could be seen from that site.