COMMUNITIES all over Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire came together on Remembrance Sunday to reflect on those who lost their lives in the First World War.

Bad weather kept at bay during most of the parades on Sunday, November 9, which were touched with an extra level of pathos due to the war's centenary.

In Olveston, a well turned out service was held in St Mary’s Church. A march through the village included local scouts and was helped to run smoothly by special constables.

Chairman of the Royal British Legion Martin Scott said: “It was a very well turned out service and many in the church had to stand. It was more poignant due to the centenary.”

In Wotton-under-Edge, the town gathered at The Chipping and marched down Market Street in groups, with veterans marching together in step.

Many attended the church service and groups came together and took turns to place wreaths around the memorial and observe the two minute silence.

Deputy Mayor Chris Galbriath said: “It was a fine service and we were very lucky with the weather on the day.

“I’ve been representing the Council and attending their Remembrance Day services for nearly 14 years and it’s an honour to represent the Council who maintain the memorial.”

Chipping Sodbury’s service was attended by hundreds who paid their respects by marching down to the town’s War Memorial. The parade gathered at 2.45pm and marched down the high street at 3pm with the Mayor Wendy Whittle.

Mayor Whittle said: “The parade was so large that you couldn’t see the end of it, it was brilliant. I have never seen so many people in a parade before.

“I was delighted that Charles, a 99 years young resident was able to read out the exaltation. Also, to have two young people read out all the names of who died during all wars from the area.”

In Yate, members of the Royal British Legion were joined by civic leaders on a parade through the town which began at 9.30am.

Hundreds of people came to watch the procession and filled St Mary’s Church for a 10am service before laying wreaths at 11am.

Mayor Wully Perks said: “The church was packed and the service was all about local people who had died which added an extra level of poignancy.

“Everyone said they had never known a service like it.”

Thornbury’s Remembrance Day parade started at 2pm before heading to St Mary’s Church, where wreaths were laid at the foot of the war memorial.

Mayor of Thornbury Guy Rawlinson said: “It was a very well turned out service, by the public and representatives from local service groups. The weather held up throughout the afternoon."