WARMINSTER came out in force on Remembrance Sunday as hundreds of people gathered at the memorial in Portway to pay respect at the town’s service.

A parade through the town, led by town crier Phil Seddon, started the afternoon’s proceedings before mayor of Warminster, Sue Frazer spoke at the start of the service.

She said: “We remember those lost in conflict past and present. We also remember those wounded in conflict and the challenges they and their families encounter as they face the major changes in their lives.

“We are grateful for them for their courage and strength for defending the values we hold so dear.”

In addition to readings from the Gospel of St John, a number of hymns were sung with the support of the Warminster Community Choir and Warminster Military Wives Choir.

Names of the 167 men who fell in the Great War and Second World War were also called out by students from Warminster School while dignitaries laid wreaths on the memorial.

Wreath layers included South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison, the Garrison Commander, the RAF association and the commanding officer from the 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment.

Seven-year-old Leon Maguire laid his plaque with his grandfather Craig in remembrance of his late grandmother Jane who also served with the 6th Battalion Ulster Defence Regiment during the 80's.

War veteran John Bosley, who was a Private in the 11th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, was also in attendance at the service with his daughter.

“I’ve been coming here for many, many years and since I moved to Warminster in 1965. I originally came here as a police officer and I volunteered to be on duty on every Remembrance Day service for the last 30 years.

“It means a lot coming here because we can pay respect to servicemen.”

During the service there was a collection for the Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion.

Other attendees included Maureen Hiscock, 62 has attended every Warminster Remembrance Day service since she was born – except missing one due to illness.

“I think these remembrance services are vitally important and my dad brought me here as a baby and apart from one year, I’ve been coming ever since,” she said.

“I’ve made sure to stand in the same spot each year because from across the road you are able to watch it all – the parade coming down with the band and then the masses of people who turn out to watch the service.”