Newham remembers the fallen at Remembrance Day services

Hundreds lined the streets of Newham as people attended Remembrance Day services to pay their respects to those killed in war.

Mayor Sir Robin Wales attended the service at East Ham Cenotaph, Central Park, this morning alongside MP for East Ham, Stephen Timms and other dignitaries.

On a cold but bright morning, the atmosphere was solemn and respectful as drummers from the Air Training Corps led, ex-servicemen and women, members of the East Ham Royal British Legion and scout groups on a procession from Newham Town Hall, High Street North, just after 10.30am.

The parade made its way towards the cenotaph where the two-minute silence at 11am was impeccably observed by all before the service was led by Father Fred Ashford-Okai.

Wreaths were laid by Mayor Wales, Mr Timms and the members of the public were also invited to lay their own wreaths and tributes.

The crowd sung the hymn Abide with me and the national anthem before being led away by the Air Training Corps drummers back to the town hall for a reception.

Ron Simmons, 77, who served in the Armed Forces in Germany for 18 months from 1955, was delighted to see so many young faces in the crowd.

He said: “It was good to see young people come along because it is very important to remember these things.

“We need to get them to join the Royal British Legion because solidiers are dying off.”

Services of Remembrance took place all over Newham to mark Armistice Day including church services in West Ham, North Woolwich and Canning Town.