THE sun shone down on a crowd of between two and three thousand people who watched members of the armed forces take part in a Remembrance Sunday service and parade in Skipton.

The chairman of the Skipton branch of the Royal British Legion, George Martin, said it was a ‘great day’.

“The sun shone but it was cold. The streets were lined from Newmarket up the high street and were several deep.

“Skipton Brass Band provided moving music throughout the service and the parade was led by the Craven band.”

Mr Martin said there was a particularly poignant part to the day when he was speaking to a uniformed police officer.

“They said that their relative who had died in the war was with them in their pocket. They showed me pictures and a row of medals that we at the Royal British Legion will help to identify.”

The wreath laying was led by Brigadier Johnie Wardle followed by civic dignitaries from Skipton and Craven district and town councils.

Ex serviceman Dennis Maunders, 95, recited the Kohima epitaph after the two minutes’ silence was observed.

Following the ceremony at the war memorial, a service of remembrance was held in Holy Trinity Church where over 300 names were read out by clergy and members of the Air Training Corp Skipton.

“It was very moving with tears flowing from the public who filled the pews while others were standing,” added Mr Martin.

Mr Martin said his son, Craig, is a serving member of the Royal Air Force in Jacksonville, Florida, where he organised a service of remembrance for 23 airmen who lost their lives during WWII and who are buried in Arcadia, Florida.

“It was a proud occasion for us as well as him. In contract their service was held in 33 degree heat,” said Mr Martin.

Similar services were held across Craven, including in Ingleton and Settle..

On Remembrance Sunday, Ingleborough District beavers, cubs, scouts, explorers and their leaders paraded in both Settle and Ingleton.

The leaders said they were proud of their young people who all behaved impeccably showing dignity and respect to those that had fallen, as well as their families. By supporting their communities at church services and the laying of wreaths.

On Monday, on Remembrance Day, members of the RBL joined dignitaries and cadets of the Skipton Air Training Corps, in Shortbank Road, to observe a two minutes’ silence at the war memorial.

Cadet John Brown played Flowers of the Forest on bagpipes accompanied by drums, while buglers played the Last Post.