FENLAND stood silent on Sunday as thousands paid their respects to those who have died in service to their country. Crowds of all ages from towns and villages gathered around war memorials and in churches to honour servicemen and women from two world wars

FENLAND stood silent on Sunday as thousands paid their respects to those who have died in service to their country.

Crowds of all ages from towns and villages gathered around war memorials and in churches to honour servicemen and women from two world wars and more recent conflicts. It was also a time to think of those who remain in service in different parts of the world.

THERE were larger crowds than usual in March to watch the parade through the town and the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial in Broad Street.

In a change to previous arrangements the ceremony took place before the civic service at St Peter's Church to coincide with the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The parade led by March Air Training Corps marched through the town from Sainsbury's car park to the war memorial.

Fenland District Council, March Town Council, March Royal British Legion, veterans, and numerous other organisations were under the direction of Parade Marshal Barry Howlett.

The act of remembrance was led by the Rev Anthony Chandler and veteran George Church said the Exhortation before the wreath laying ceremony led by March Mayor Councillor Jan French.

After the ceremony at the war memorial the parade moved on to a packed St Peter's Church for a service.

CHATTERIS turned out in force to honour its service men and women, both past and present, on Sunday afternoon.

The parade assembled at the library and marched to the war memorial outside the parish church of St Peter and St Paul.

Parade Marshall Norman Larke said: "It was extremely well attended and 21 wreathes were laid."

Youngsters from Cromwell Community College joined in the ceremony as did representatives from Chatteris Boxing Club.

He said: "There has been a concentrated effort from the Royal British Legion to get more young people involved. I think people are now beginning to realise there are still conflicts going on. We have two young soldiers from Chatteris who have just come back from Afghanistan and two more who will be going out."

The service in the church was led by the Rev Wendy Thompson and a lesson was read by Chatteris Mayor Councillor Sue Elam.

VETERANS and youngsters played a major part in remembering the war dead at Wisbech.

The parade assembled at the Market Place, making its way to the war memorial.

Prayers were said by the Rt Rev Canon Wim Zwalf of St Peter's Church in Wisbech. There was a two minute silence at 11am and the wreath laying ceremony was led by Mayor of Wisbech Councillor David Oliver.

The parade then marched to St Peter's Church where the service was led by Rev Zwalf. Also taking part in the service were the Rev Dr Tiffany Conlin and the Rev Harry Wood of Trinity Methodist Church.

After the service the salute was taken by Cllr Oliver and then veterans were invited to the Tower Ballroom for refreshments.

Cllr Oliver said he was very impressed with the numbers of young people taking part in the parade and service.

YOUNGSTERS from all schools in Whittlesey played a part in the town's honouring of the war dead.

The town's branch of the Royal British Legion has been working with pupils at primary schools and the Sir Harry Smith Community College to create closer links.

Branch secretary Wally Newman said: "We had a large parade and it was very well attended. It is nice to know that we have younger ones coming along and we gave them the chance to lay poppies at the memorial."

The parade was led by the Peterborough Highland Pipe Band and the Cambs Cadet Corps of Drums. At the war memorial the wreath laying was led by Whittlesey Mayor councillor Pam Potts.

Afterwards a service, held at St Mary's Church, was led by the Rev Nigel Whitehouse who is also padre for the Royal British Legion.

Afterwards the war veterans paraded back to the Ivy Leaf Club for a buffet and entertainment by the Peterborough Concert Band.