BROMSGROVE witnessed its biggest Remembrance Day Parade yet this weekend, with more than 1,000 people turning out to pay their respects to the fallen members of Britain's armed forces.

Crowds lined the route on Sunday, as the procession, featuring military vehicles and members of the Royal British Legion (RBL), Mercian Regiment and Royal Air Force Association, journeyed through the town centre.

Emergency service personnel from West Mercia Police and Hereford and Worcester Fire Service also attended, alongside local Cubs, Scouts, Guides and Rainbows youth groups.

Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire Patricia Bradbury joined residents to watch the parade, which marked the last for the Bromsgrove RBL Women's Section, as it joins the men's unit in the new year, due to a lack of numbers.

Branch chairman Patrick Smith said: "It was our most successful parade yet - it's getting bigger every year.

"We had much more younger people and groups this year and everyone thought it was just fantastic. It shows how proud people in Bromsgrove are of their armed forces."

After an 'eyes left' at the Odd Fellows Memorial, the parade travelled down Church Street and came to a halt at the war monument, where St John's Church's vicar Rev Ray Khan led the memorial service.

Following a two-minute's silence, hymns were sang and the community joined together in prayer.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Rev Khan said: "Events like this are so important because we need to make sure we don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

"We must all recognise that it is ordinary people that are affected by these great events in history and these events frame the ones that happen in future.

"Every year so many people in Bromsgrove come together to remember those who have given so much. Doing so should inspire and challenge the ways we think and encourage us to support our own communities."

District MP Sajid Javid, who attended Sundays event, added: "Every year I look forward to the Remembrance Parade in Bromsgrove, which is always a special event.

"It was an honour to attend the Bromsgrove Remembrance Day Parade and lay a wreath at the war memorial.

"It’s important to remember and reflect on all those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We must never forget.”