SILENCE fell in Knutsford as civic dignitaries, church leaders and the community honoured their fallen heroes.

A parade assembled at the Ruskin Rooms in Drury Lane on Sunday morning before wreaths were laid at the War Memorial Hospital in Northwich Road to mark Remembrance Day.

There was then a Parachute Regiment Memorial at Tatton Park for a final wreath-laying.

The Rev Rob Cotton, of Knutsford Methodist Church, hosted the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial Hospital.

He said: “It was a privilege to share in the Remembrance Day ceremonies for the first time as the new Methodist minister in the town. “It was good to stand in unity with the Royal British Legion, military and services personnel, Knutsford town councillors, uniformed and charitable organisations along with all of the church ministers as we remembered all of those who lost their lives in war.

“I found it a very poignant and moving ceremony as The Last Post was played and the colours were lowered.”

Linda Thomas, membership secretary for Knutsford Royal British Legion, added: “The branch was very pleased to meet the large turnout for the parade, in the church and wreath-laying services.

“Hearts sank when the rain fell at the start of the parade but parade marshal and former paratrooper Reg Moore kept spirits up with his service-style encouragement and banter.

“It was particularly pleasing to see the Army, Air and fire service cadets and other youth organisations.

“The branch is particularly proud to have a number of former Gurkha soldiers as members and they also took part in the parade and laid a wreath.”

l Knutsford Royal British Legion’s annual meeting is at the Conservative Club on Tuesday, November 20, at 7.30pm.