In pictures: Hundreds gather in Banbury to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday

Hundreds of people gathered in Banbury town centre on Sunday (November 9) to commemorate those who defended our nation during the two World Wars and later conflicts.

The day was marked with a military parade through the town centre, a service of Remembrance and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Organised by the town council, the event was supported by the Royal British Legion, RAFA Club Banbury, the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force, Thames Valley Police and several cadet groups.

The event started on Banbury’s High Street next to the town hall, where hundreds of spectators witnessed the start of the parade.

It made its way past Banbury Cross and towards St Mary’s Church, where a service was held in honour of all those who have died fighting for Britain, particularly from World War I onwards.

Several speeches and psalms were delivered by a number of figures, including town Mayor Cllr Kieron Mallon, who delivered a reading of Psalm 91, as well as the powerful Kohima Epitaph.

Cllr Mallon, who, as well as Mayor, is also president of the Banbury RBL and a former member of the Irish Guards, said: “ Over a hundred years since the Armistice was signed and 80 years after the end of WWII, Banbury came together in huge numbers to show respect and continue to remember.

“Veterans from these recent deployments need our help and support and Banbury and the Royal British Legion will continue to be here for them”.

After the church service, members of the congregation rejoined the crowds that had gathered outside and walked to People’s Park’s war memorial, where a wreath-laying ceremony was held.