THOUSANDS of people took to the streets of Marlborough yesterday to play their part in the country's tribute to the fallen and celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

The centenary remembrance parade was led by Mayor Lisa Farrell at the War Memorial in Barn Street.

She inspected the troops of 4MI Battalions and others young and old on parade in the High Street before they marched led by the Phoenix Brass Band to the war memorial dedicated to those who died between 1914 and 1918.

The Rev Janneke Blokland said prayers and Marian Hannaford-Dobson gave the exhortation on behalf of the Royal British Legion.

During the ceremony wreaths were laid by MP Claire Perry, Wiltshire councillor Stewart Dobson, deputy chairman of Wiltshire Council James Sheppard, Lt Col Simon Puxley, Commanding Officer of 4MI and representatives of Marlborough's many institutions.

The area around the war memorial was packed but as the sun shone there was an atmosphere of togetherness as people of all ages came together to remember the sacrifices made by the servicemen of the First World War and those who have taken part in conflicts since.

As The Last Post sounded and the huge crowd paid their respects during the two minute silence each person had a chance to quietly make their own gesture of remembrance and dwell on their own thoughts and memories.

A service in St Mary's Church completed the morning of remembrance.