WAR veterans, community groups and residents gathered at Malton War Memorial to remember those who lost their lives in two World Wars and other conflicts.

Hundreds of people participated in and watched the traditional march to the monument.

Wreaths of poppies were laid at the York Road site after the march, which was led by Ryedale's White Star Band.

Marchers included representatives from Ryedale District Council, Malton and Norton Town Councils, the Royal British Legion, the Green Howards Association, the RAF Association, and the Air Training Corps, as well as a number of uniformed youth groups.

Malton Town Mayor Jane Wilford said it was a "tremendous" day.

"The weather was very kind to us and there were lots of families and youngsters there.

"It is really important that we encourage young people to get involved because we must not forget that the sacrifices were made for us," she said.

Three remembrance services were also held during the day at churches in the twin towns.

The former Archbishop of York, Lord Habgood, preached the sermon at St Mary's Church, Old Malton.

St Michael's Church, Malton, held a mixed denomination service, with Methodist and Baptist ministers, a Roman Catholic priest and a Salvation Army captain all taking part.

The service at St Peter's Church, Norton, was led by the Rev Stewart Young in his first civic service.

At Pocklington, hundreds of people lined the streets as the town remembered its fallen. The Town Mayor, Councillor Alec Petrie, was accompanied by representatives of Humberside Police, the fire and ambulance services, the Royal British Legion, and a large number of Scouts, Guides, Cubs and Brownies at the wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial in front of Pocklington Post Office.

Coun Petrie said: "It was very well-attended, and a very moving service indeed; the church was full when it came to the Remembrance service.

"It is always very heartening to see so many people turning out for Remembrance Sunday, especially from the general public."

In York, the city's Memorial Gardens were bathed in solemn autumnal light as the Last Post sounded and the traditional two-minute silence was observed at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.

Afterwards a large parade, including Gurkhas and soldiers from 2 Signals Regiment, and representatives from HMS York, RAF Linton-on-Ouse, The Prince of Wales's Company of the East and West Riding Regiment (Volunteers), Sea, Army and Air Cadets, the Scouts and Guides Associations, St John Ambulance, the Red Cross and the ex-Services contingent of the Royal British Legion marched to Clifford's Tower.

Updated: 11:22 Monday, November 12, 2001