15 poignant photos as towns and villages across Stafford offer remembrance displays

It was a day for people across Stafford to pay their respects to those lost in combat as towns and villages were bedecked with colourful displays.

Thousands of residents paid their respects at the weekend as the county town marked the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the first World War.

The day began with an open-air service on Sunday with prayers, the Last Post and a two-minute silence before wreaths were laid at the foot of the Borough War Memorial in the town’s Victoria Square.

The Mayor of the borough, Councillor Mark Winnington, Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Liz Barnes CBE, and other civic dignitaries then processed to the nearby County War Memorial to lay wreaths.

Following the wreath laying, members of the public and families lined the streets of the town centre to show their appreciation for service personnel from the 22 Signal Regiment and Tactical Supply Wing of the RAF who were part of the traditional parade.

The Stafford-based military were joined by other organisations, including army, sea and air cadets, and members of the Royal British Legion as they marched through the town centre to huge applause just before noon.

Councillor Winnington, said he was incredibly proud of the borough’s military links and praised everyone for joining him to mark the traditional Remembrance commemorations.

He said: “Like many of our residents across the borough I am incredibly proud of the strong military presence we have in Stafford.

“It was wonderful to see service personnel from 22 Signal Regiment and Tactical Supply Wing marching through the town centre along with so many other excellent organisations.

“I was so pleased residents of all ages turned out to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made tremendous sacrifices in conflicts around the world.

“Their courage and service helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today, and it is vital that we continue to remember and honour them.”

We’ve picked out the best photos from each town and village as Stafford borough marked the annual period of remembrance.