HUNDREDS of people braved the cold to gather on Weymouth Esplanade to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

The sun broke through the clouds as people, young and old, made their way to the Cenotaph for the Remembrance Sunday service to pay their respects.

Music from Weymouth's Salvation Army Band filled the air and just before 11am borough Mayor Joy Stanley led councillors and other dignitaries to join representatives from many organisations in front of the seafront memorial.

The mayor's chaplain, the Rev Mike Stear, read the traditional Act of Remembrance and at 11am a gunshot fired from the Nothe Fort signalled two minutes' silence.

Another shot market the end of the silence and the Salvation Army Band played the Last Post and Reveille.

Following prayer and a blessing by Mr Stear, wreaths were laid at the steps of the Cenotaph.

Standard bearers represented, among others, the Royal British Legion, the Dorset Regiment Association, the Royal Air Force Association and the Royal Engineers' Association

Keith Staddon, 77, from Weymouth, who served with the Royal Engineers in World War II, said: "We must always remember those who gave up their lives for their country.

"Remembrance Sunday is just as important now as it has ever been and it is a time when old soldiers can talk about old times and memories."

There was also an emotional wreath-laying ceremony at Weymouth's American War Memorial on the Esplanade following the Remembrance Day Service and two minutes' silence. The Mayor led the procession of councillors and dignitaries, including Major J Nelson, of the Officer Exchange Programme from the United States Army representing the US Government and local American resident Bob Shipman, to the memorial.

Mr Stear prayed for peace and for comfort and hope for those suffering and grieving in America after the terrorist attacks of September 11 and the ceremony finished with a rendition of the American national anthem.

Members of the RBL in Weymouth paid tribute to 101-year-old Philip Bristow who died three days before Remembrance Sunday.

Chairman of the Weymouth RBL, Major Doug McMeeken, said: "Mr Bristow will be missed by all the members. He was our oldest member and very popular. Even at 101 he was still a great character.

"I would also like to take this chance to say thank you to those who have been out collecting for the Poppy Appeal."