COMMUNITIES across North Yorkshire fell silent to remember those who sacrificed their lives for future generations.

In York, more than 100 war veterans won applause from the crowds lining the streets as they marched past during the Remembrance Sunday parade, wearing their uniforms and medals with pride.

Led by the Queen's Division Normandy Band, they were joined by military personnel and representatives from the Royal British Legion, Salvation Army, cadet units, St John Ambulance, British Red Cross and uniformed groups.

The marchers gathered at the Memorial Gardens in Station Road, alongside the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Looker, senior officers and civic dignitaries.

A gunshot filled the crisp November air and silence fell for two minutes at 11am. The Last Post and Reveille sounded before the congregation vowed "we will remember them", and wreaths were laid at the war memorial.

Ted Griffiths, MBE, president of the Royal British Legion York branch, led the parade of ex-servicemen and women.

"It is a very good turn out with about 140 ex-service people on parade," he said. "It is very important because this is one time in the year we all get together to remember those who paid the supreme sacrifice."

Hugh Westell, a 72-year-old veteran from York who served in the RAF for 25 years, paid his respects to fallen comrades with his wife, Margaret.

"I used to be able to come as a standard bearer for the Air Crew Association until I had a stroke two years ago," said Mr Westell. "I come because of all my mates. It is important to come and remember them."

Three generations of the Augey family also turned out to watch the ceremony. Maureen Augey, from York, was joined by her daughter, Emily, along with her two-and-a-half year old daughter, Sophie.

"I think it's important to show Sophie this so she understands," said Emily, a former cadet whose grandfather served in the Second World War after her great- grandfather fought in the Great War.

At Tadcaster, York Railway Institute Golden Rail Band led the parade to St Mary's Church and the war memorial where 20 wreaths were laid, including one by a former major of the Black Watch, Tony Berry.

Updated: 10:25 Monday, November 15, 2004