THOUSANDS turned out in the rain to be part of the ceremony on Sunday in Skipton to mark 100 years since the end of World War One.

Members of the armed forces, along with youth organisations and cadets marched along the parade route to the top of the high street.

Among them was a contingent of army cadets from the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, under the command of Major John Cartwright-Terry.

There were also members of the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery under the command of Major Richard Kirby from Catterick Garrison.

The parade was led by the Royal British Legion Bugle and Drum band led by Drum Major George Martin, vice chairman of the Skipton branch of the Royal British Legion.

Youth organisations included air training corps, sea cadets, army cadets, brownies and cubs.

The crowds gathered at the war memorial outside the gates of Holy Trinity Church where Reverend Veronica James gave the short service.

Mr Martin said: "Standards from a variety of organisations displayed a colourful site as they marched along the parade route.

"During the two minutes' silence, not a single sound was heard; not a child or even a cough."

Dave Parker chief officer of Skipton Town Council was master of ceremonies and an orderly laying of wreaths was led by the County Lord Lieutenant, Brigadier Johnny Wardle, Her Majesty's representative.

Following wreath laying, a service was held in the Holy Trinity Church which was standing room only.

The return parade was acknowledged by the Town Mayor of Skipton Councillor Alan Hickman. Major Cartwright-Terry and Major Kirby.

Mr Martin added: "Although the weather was inclement, the large gathering remained defiant and remained throughout.

"Thank you to Skipton Town Council staff who arranged wreaths whilst the church service was carried out. A lot of people would not realise the organisation which went on behind the scenes."

Cllr Hickman, said: “There was rain on the day but, considering the rain and the mud that those in the trenches faced in the Great War, none of us allowed that to dampen spirits as the numbers attending the Remembrance Day ceremony proved.

"I found the event to be poignant, especially as my thoughts turned to my father who was demobilised shortly after the armistice. It was most pleasing to see so many community groups and organisations taking part and in particular the number of young people.”

He added: “For Skipton to be one of the 1,000 communities lighting the ‘Battle’s Over' Beacon of Light was also a special joy and the turnout in the evening was impressive.

"Over one hundred copies of the St John Gospels - given to all active servicemen in World War 1 - were readily received by those who gathered for the occasion.”

Poppy displays remain in locations around the Dales. One of a flow of more than 1,000 poppies knitted by the local community is in St Michael and All Angels' Church, in Hubberholme, which is the resting place of Bradford-born author JB Priestley.

The poppies, including white for peace and purple for the animals killed will be on display until November 18.