Thousands of people gathered to pay tribute to the sacrifices of British servicemen and women at Remembrance Sunday services across Dudley borough yesterday.

Event organisers at Dudley Council invited members of the public to join current and former servicemen and women, community groups and dignitaries to remember the country’s fallen heroes.

In Dudley, Members of B Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry led a uniformed parade from Top Church, passing the First World War memorial on Priory Street on their route to the cenotaph on Ednam Road.

Veterans, military personnel, cadets, guides and scouts joined the procession through the town centre with music provided by the 24th Invicta Rifles Military Marching Band.

The event concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, where civic dignitaries, armed forces members, military charities, and representatives from local businesses, schools and colleges paid their respects to the fallen.

Reverend James Treasure led the service at Coronation Gardens alongside the Mayor of Dudley, Deputy Lieutenant Richard Boot OBE, and the interim chief executive of the council.

In Halesowen, the towns annual parade marched through the town centre and congregated at St John's Church where the war memorial stands. Representatives from the armed forces, cadet groups and other organisations joined the service and lay wreaths in Remembrance.

Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, said: "This solemn occasion reminds us all to pause and reflect on the immense sacrifices that our armed forces have made for our country, including the courageous men and women who are serving today.

"We vow never to forget those who have lost their lives in defence of our rights and freedoms. I thank all of our guests and residents for joining us to pay their respects."

The annual Armistice Day commemoration will take place at 10.55am today at the First World War Clock Tower Memorial on Priory Street in Dudley.

Veterans will join elected members, council staff and members of the public at the ceremony to lay wreaths and observe a two-minute silence in memory of the end of the First World War.

Priory Street will be closed from 10.30am to 11.30am during the event. A diversion route will be in place while the road is closed.

A special cross of remembrance will also be in the Market Place until Friday 22 November.

Residents are welcome to place a poppy in the cross at any time in memory of those who have lost their lives.