Chatteris parish church was packed on Sunday for the town’s annual Remembrance Day parade and service with more than double the normal turnout this year.

Hundreds of people watched the parade led by the band of March Air Training Corps and made up of representatives from the Royal British Legion, the town council, all the schools, cubs, scouts and guides as well as representatives from numerous other organisations.

Thirty-five wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Col Roger Herriot, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and local MP Steve Barclay.

This year the Indian flag flew alongside the Union Flag at the war memorial as part of the town’s continuing tradition of recognising the contribution made by other nations.

A contingent from the Indian community in Peterborough attended and also laid wreaths.

India lost a total of 1.2 million men in both the First and Second World Wars with a total of 49 Victoria Crosses (the highest bravery award) awarded to its service personnel.

Norman Larke, chairman of Chatteris Royal British Legion, said: “There were at least twice as many people as normal there this year. It was absolutely packed around the memorial. I think the 100th anniversary of the First World War has inspired more people to take part.

Chatteris lost 160 men in WW1 that was 12 per cent of the population at that time.”

The church collection raised £523.83 for the Royal British Legion.