HUNDREDS of people stood in respectful silence at Weymouth's annual Remembrance Sunday service.

Veterans, servicemen, cadets and dignitaries took part in the service at the cenotaph on the Esplanade in front of a large crowd that had

gathered to pay their respects to those who had died fighting for their country.

The mayor's chaplain, Rev Tim Greenslade conducted the service, reading the act of remembrance and leading prayers.

He welcomed the crew of the lifeboat Ernest and Mabel, which had positioned itself in the bay as a mark of respect for the third year running.

The sound of a cannon, fired from the Nothe Fort, echoed around the bay and marked the beginning of two minutes of silence.

The standards of local organisations, including the Royal British Legion, RNLI, Boscawen Sea Cadets, Royal Naval Association and the Royal Engineers, were lowered as the town stood still.

A second cannon marked the end of the silence and the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Lynne Herbert, laid a wreath at the foot of the cenotaph.

She was followed by representatives from 40 different organisations, who each placed a wreath on the war memorial.

The Salvation Army band played as the congregation sang Oh God Our Help In Ages Past and the first verse of the National Anthem.

Following the service, cadets, servicemen and veterans lined up along Brunswick Terrace and marched along the seafront to the sound of brass bands and the applause of the crowd.

A second service was held at the American war memorial in honour of US soldiers. The Salvation Army played the Stars And Stripes and US veteran representative Bob Shipman laid a wreath.

Chairman of the British Legion Naomi Turner said she was delighted to see such a huge crowd and welcomed the number of young people who came to the service.