A POIGNANT day of remembrance was observed across York, North and East Yorkshire as thousands fell silent to pay their respects.

Services were held across the county to commemorate armed service men and women, 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.

In York, Cllr Ian Gillies, the Lord Mayor of York, led a procession of veterans, soldiers and faith leaders from the Guildhall to the Memorial Gardens to remember the city's war dead.

Hundreds of onlookers lined the route across Lendal Bridge to applaud both past and present members of the armed services as they marched to and from the service, attended by cadets, St John Ambulance, Scouts and Guides.

Veteran Mel Dawkins, standard bearer for the Royal Signal Association York, said the service had even greater meaning since the death of Ted Griffiths last week, aged 95, after raising thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion.

He said: "It was fantastic and it's always great when we have a lovely day.

"They are all poignant services in my eyes, but this year we have the anniversary of the First World War and losing Ted Griffiths last week brings it home to some of the older veterans."

Bryan Billham, chairman of York's Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire branch, added: "I thought it went really well and the crowds were brilliant.

"It was the largest crowd I've seen for a service and it gives you that little bit extra when everyone is clapping, because it makes you feel appreciated."

Events took place across the county to mark Remembrance Sunday, including a service at Selby Abbey led by the Bishop of Selby and attended by a congregation of 700. This was followed by the laying of wreaths at the nearby Selby Park.

Cllr Rosie Corrigan, mayor of Selby, said: "It was a really moving event. We made 500 programmes and were left short and there was standing room only in the Abbey.

"We took the flames from our Peace Candle, which marked the centenary of the beginning of the First World War, to light all the candles in the Abbey."

A service also took place at Malton War Memorial with refreshments served later at Suddaby’s Hotel.

Cllr Joan Lawrence, mayor of Malton, said: "It was a super day and the memorial was packed - I've never seen it so busy. Guides, Brownies, Cubs, Scouts and police were all there. "It was a wonderful turnout from everyone and I'm so pleased."

In Pickering, a service was held at the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul and veterans paraded through the town to the Bridge Street memorial.

And in Pocklington, cadets joined armed servicemen and women marching from The Balk near Burnby Hall Gardens to the First World War Memorial in Market Street and to the Second World War Memorial, in Grape Lane.