The mood was sombre this morning at the Cenotaph in Leytonstone’s Harrow Green as wreaths were laid to remember the war dead.

The Rev David Britton read prayers to the crowds gathered in the green to honour the 1,863 soldiers from the area formerly known as the borough of Leyton who lost their lives in the Great War.

After the parade made its way down High Road to the war memorial, the Leytonstone Salvation Army Band including bugler Brian Hawkins played as the crowds sang And Did Those Feet In Ancient Time?, a poem by William Blake, and the hymn Abide With Me.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Leytonstone High Road was closed off for the parade

Trumpeter Nick Walker performed the Last Post before young and old joined together for two minutes’ silence at 11am to mark the centenary of the armistice that ended the First World War.

The Rev Britton, of St John the Baptist’s Church in Leytonstone High Road, said: “In this silence let us remember that it ushers in the potential for a new era of peace.”

A Sikh man gave a short speech to remind people of the sacrifice made by members of the Sikh community before councillors, members of the public and representatives of the emergency services laid wreaths at the foot of the Cenotaph.

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Several wreaths were laid at Leytonstone Cenotaph

Three Pearly Queens and a Pearly King and the Second Leytonstone Sea Scouts were also in attendance.

Rev Britton told the Guardian: “I think it is fantastic to see so many young people come here today.

“You hear that young people are not into this but today that is not the case in Leytonstone.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The sun shone and the rain kept away for the entirety of the service

Standard bearer Andy Milner represented the Leytonstone branch of the Royal British Legion at Saturday night’s Festival of Remembrance at Royal Albert Hall, which was attended by the Queen and other senior members of the Royal Family.

It marked the first time the Leytonstone flag flew at the festival for over 20 years.

Mr Milner said: “It was amazing. There were 105 standard bearers from Legion branches, there and an audience of 6,000 and millions watching on TV.

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Deptuty standard bearer Paul Leforte, left, and standard bearer Andy Milner, right

“I took over as standard bearer in 2010 and I had never been to the event before.”

Mr Milner was flanked by deputy standard bearer Paul Leforte at the service in Leytonstone.

Scouts leader Pete Wilson was accompanied by cubs, beavers and scouts at the service and said: “We come every year to pay our respects.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Young members of the Scouts attended the Wanstead service

“We come along to remember those who gave their lives and also to show support for the police, ambulance and the London Fire Brigade.

“The children understand that those are the men and women who are giving their lives to protect us today.”

Janet Franklyn, membership secretary of the Leytonstone Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “I was a bit surprised when I saw the good turnout.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The Wanstead memorial service attracted crowds

“The Poppy Appeal was fabulous this year. We had tables in Tesco and Whipps Cross Hospital restaurant and also collectors at Leytonstone underground station.

“I was with my husband every day at Whipps and the feedback was all positive. It was wonderful.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The flags are lowered for a moment's silence at the Wanstead service

“People would ask us what the money for the poppies would be used for and we were telling them it’s to look after ex-servicemen and their families and they were very supportive of it.

“It’s a worthy cause because a lot of ex-servicemen have a hard time.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Members of the armed forces attended the service in Walthamstow

The Leytonstone branch of the Royal British Legion meets once a month at Leytonstone fire station. New members are welcome.

Crowds were also drawn to remembrance services in Leyton, Walthamstow and Wanstead.