Yorkshire falls silent for Armistice Day services

18 minutes ago

Alex MossYorkshire

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, was among those to attend the Armistice Day service in Leeds

Gemma Dillon/BBC A row of people stood outside. Some of wearing military dress and holding red wreaths made of poppies. — The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, was among those to attend the Armistice Day service in Leeds

Services have been held across Yorkshire as communities came together to mark Armistice Day.

A two-minute silence was held across the UK at 11:00 GMT to commemorate the exact time an agreement to end the fighting of World War One as a prelude to peace negotiations began on 11 November 1918.

People paused at memorials, churches and civic ceremonies across Yorkshire to mark the 109th anniversary of the end of hostilities.

In North Yorkshire, council leader Carl Les said commemorations were still hugely significant, adding: "With conflicts still very evident across the world, it is as important today as ever to continue the tradition of commemorating all those who have lost their lives in wars."

A North Yorkshire Council spokesperson said the county had a long history associated with the armed forces and that there were "10,770 military personnel in the county – one of the largest numbers nationally".

Silence was observed at various services which took place across North Yorkshire

Crowds of people stood around graveyards outside. There is a wooden bench in the foreground. — Silence was observed at various services which took place across North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is also home to Catterick Garrison, which is one of the largest military bases in the country.

Councillor Kevin Foster, the authority's armed forces champion, said the day was "a moment to reflect on the past".

"But it is also important for us to say thank you to all those who are involved in the military as they continue such a proud and important role in protecting the country," he added.

Bradford councillor Chris Howlett said it was a "very emotional day"

Georgia Levy-Collins/BBC A man dressed in a suite with military badges on his jacket and holding a military flag. — Bradford councillor Chris Howlett said it was a "very emotional day"

In Bradford, councillor Chris Howlett, the authority's armed forces champion, said that to see people turn out pay their respects "means so much".

He added: "We can't forget. We must continue remembering."

Howlett said that having served in the Army with the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire, the day's events were "very personal" for him.

"My granddad was First World War, my dad the Second World War, and me and my brother were in the Army," he explained.

"My son also is still serving in the RAF, so today will be extremely emotional."

Elsewhere across West Yorkshire, leaders and dignitaries were joined by members of the public for a service at the Victoria Gardens War Memorial in Leeds, where wreaths were laid.

Watson and Bram, complete with poppies, were taken by owner Lenore to an Armistice Day service in Sheffield

Simon Thake/BBC Two small dogs with red poppy attachments round on collars round their necks. — Watson and Bram, complete with poppies, were taken by owner Lenore to an Armistice Day service in Sheffield

In Sheffield, dozens of people - some accompanied by pets - turned out to pay their respects during a service at Barker's Pool, where wreaths were laid at the foot of the Sheffield War Memorial.

Veterans Gary Crossland and Alan Snowden were among those to attend.

Crossland, 68, who joined the Royal Navy in 1974, said while laying his wreath, he was remembering his father who also served in the navy.

"I was also thinking of the guys at sea that are deep down there lost at sea, not just English but other countries which have lost submariners and men and women," he said.