HUNDREDS have turned out to pay their respects to the fallen at Reading's Remembrance Sunday events.

Bowing their heads in silence residents were joined by veterans, civic dignitaries and serving military personnel alike in paying tribute to those killed in action.

Following a service at Reading Minster a parade led by The Waterloo Band and Bugles of The Rifles wound its way through the town centre.

Reading Chronicle:

Pockets of shoppers and those who had turned out especially to pay their respects snapped photos and gave applause as the sound of military brass echoed along Broad Street.

Among them was Major Ian Peers who made the trip to the town from Andover with his family in order to show his support.

He said: "For me it is all about remembering. Obviously we are here for everyone who has served and died in all the world wars but I am also here to remember my friends.

"I have lost a few close friends in service and today is also about them for me.

"Within the military we understand the significance of that and we have a very close community.

"But on days like today we have a chance for the local community to engage with the military as well."

 

Arriving at the Cenotaph in Forbury Gardens the crowds fell silent as the bells of St Laurence Church struck for 11am.

Representatives from across Reading then lay wreaths at the foot of the memorial including Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire James Puxley, Mayor of Reading Cllr Sarah Hacker and both the town's MPs, Rob Wilson and Alok Sharma.

The Right Reverend Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading also addressed those gathered at the memorial, including many youth groups such as the Scouts and Girl Guides.

See this week's Reading Chronicle for a full picture round up of the services around the town.