Preston pauses for Remembrance Sunday

A parade featuring current members of the armed forces, veterans, cadets, the police force, fire and ambulance service and religious leaders was led into the Flag Market by Brindle Brass Band.

As a bugler’s Last Post echoed off the buildings, the crowds fell silent for a two-minutes silence at 11am.

A short service reflecting on a need for peace and unity was then held by Father Timothy Lipscomb, vicar of Preston, followed by wreath laying at the war memorial.

Afterwards, dignitaries ascended to the balcony of the Harris, and together with the crowd, clapped as the members of the parade marched away.

Father Timothy said: “It was nice to know so many people wanted to come here and remember.

“The Second World War was meant to be the war that ended all wars, but it didn’t, and we are still fighting.

“It saddens me to know that people who have escaped from their lands and haven’t got a place to go, and I think about those people in the woods in Calais.

“We have got to come together in peace. For all those Cubs and Brownies who were here today, this will teach them the horrors of war and that there are no winners.”

Services have been held across Lancashire to mark Remembrance Sunday, with another parade scheduled in Lostock Hall this afternoon.

Members of the Royal British Legion will be leading the procession from their club in Wateringpool Lane at 2.30pm to the war memorial in Hope Terrace.