Thousands of people lined the streets of Epping Forest's towns yesterday in remembrance of those lost in warfare.

To mark 100 years since peace was declared in Europe services were held in 13 towns and villages across the area.

In Epping the 113 fallen soldiers from the town were honoured by 113 children and young people from schools and youth groups, who carried a candle bearing the name of one the soldiers, sailors or airmen.

The parade was led by the Epping Forest Pipe Band and moved from the district council offices to the war memorial.

There Town Mayor Nigel Avey read out the names of those from Epping who died during the Second World War and in Afghanistan, before forty-five wreaths were laid.

One of those paying their respects was Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing, who attended services in Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois, Loughton and Epping.

She said: "There were very moving services for Armistice Day in every town and village in Epping Forest.

"It was great to see hundreds of young people giving thanks for the sacrifice of previous generations who fought and died for our freedom."

Also in attendance was chairman of the council Councillor Richard Bassett, who lost his great grandfather in the Battle of the Somme.

He said: “Remembrance is part of modern British life, culture and heritage.

"It becomes a particular feature of the calendar at this time of year when Remembrance services are held all over the country.

“The two Minute Silence, held each year on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, marks the end of the First World War and this year is even more poignantly significant as it is 100 years since the end of that war which took so many, many lives.

“Our service personnel are at the forefront of our country’s response in times of conflict. They knowingly put themselves at great risk, willingly entering situations from which they may never return.

“So it is fitting that those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in two World Wars and many other conflicts since, are remembered on memorials and through Remembrance services across our nation."