WESTBURY held a whole day of events to commemorate 100 years since the Armistice ended the First World War, including lighting the town’s beacon.

The Remembrance service held on Sunday morning saw around 500 residents and members of the wider community come out to pay their respects.

Westbury Mayor Cllr Ian Cunningham said: “The Remembrance service on Sunday morning was a fitting tribute to those who served our country.

“It was well attended. We had produced 250 orders of service in anticipation of larger numbers but were delighted if a little surprised that quite so many came to pay their respects and remember.

“We would like to thank all those who organised and participated in this event. It was a fitting act of remembrance for those who served from our town.”

The evening saw the town take part in the national Battle’s Over memorial by lighting a beacon.

The ceremony took place at Westbury White Horse where the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Rose Troughton, did the honours and told of her own family’s experiences in the war.

Cllr Cunningham added: “We were honoured to be able to light the Westbury beacon in commemoration of 100 years since the Armistice of the First World War.

“Leader of Wiltshire Council, Baroness Jane Scott addressed the crowd and we were pleased to receive Colonel Lucy Giles, new president of the Army Officer Selection Board in Westbury, with Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Field, who contributed hugely to all our remembrance events, as well as a number of distinguished guests from local councils and organisations.

“It was a well-organised event where everyone came together to give a real message of respect and remembrance. Our staff, councillors and many volunteers worked so hard to organise this memorable event. I’d like to thank all those residents who braved the wind to take part in the ceremony.”