COMMUNITIES came together on Remembrance Day to pay homage to our fallen heroes.

With Armistice Day falling on a Sunday this year, extra crowds were expected to show their support for lives loved and lost on the battle grounds of wars both past and present.

In Yate, local dignitaries met with Scout and Guide groups, Royal British Legion members and cadet units to parade from Yate Town Council’s offices at Poole Court through the centre of town.

The procession made its way to St Mary’s Church, where there was standing room only as the Rev Iain Macfarlane took a poignant service in honour of our war dead.

Afterwards, Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb led the wreath laying at the Lych Gate followed by town and parish councillors from the local area and representatives from the Armed Services.

Yate mayor Cllr Martin Monk said: “Rev Macfarlane held a very nice service and the whole day, organised by Yate Town Council, went very well.

“Every year more and more people seem to come to it which is nice.”

Chipping Sodbury High Street was lined with people, both young and old, for the annual afternoon parade from Rounceval Street to the war memorial on Broad Street.

Town mayor Cllr Wendy Whittle led the way, accompanied by serving solder Warrant Officer Chris Hames, originally from Chipping Sodbury, both of whom took the salute following an outdoor church service held by Rev Jane Kenchington.

The procession was joined by hundreds of Scouts and Guides, ATC squadron members and cadets as well as Yate Star Twirlers who marched to music provided by a Scout band from Kingswood.

Cllr Whittle said: “There was a very nice atmosphere and everyone was very respectful. I think Remembrance Day really brings the town together, people don’t have to come but they want to.”

She added: “We had quite a lot of children this year which was lovely as it makes them think about the world.

“I also think the fact we have serving soldiers from Chipping Sodbury in Afghanistan at the moment makes it more real for everyone.”

The Last Post was played at both services before refreshments were served in St Mary’s Church hall and Chipping Sodbury Town Hall while war veterans recounted their memories to young people from both towns.