IN POIGNANT and often moving scenes, thousands of people lined the streets of Wallingford and Didcot to pay their respects to the fallen.

For the two towns, both with strong military connections, it was a moment to reflect and remember those who lost their lives during the First World War 100 years ago.

In Didcot, officials, veterans and serving military personnel led a procession down Broadway to the town’s memorial in the Smallbone Recreation Ground.

Firefighters bowed their heads in respect and laid their helmets on the floor as the procession passed their fire station while other members of the emergency services took part in a wreath-laying service.

MP Ed Vaizey, the town’s mayor Bill Service and young people from scouts and guides groups also laid wreathes and poppies attached to small crosses, bearing messages such as ‘lest we forget’ and ‘thank you.’

Smallbone Recreation Ground has recently been designated a ‘centenary field’ in a further tribute which will protect it as a lasting memorial.

Mr Vaizey, who also attended ceremonies in Faringdon and Wantage, said the events were ‘moving’ with huge crowds coming out to pay their respects.

School children from Didcot Girls School and St Birinus also took part.

In Wallingford, residents crowded into the town’s Market Place for a service which began at 10.45am.

The Cholsey Silver Band performed to onlookers with a lone-trumpeter leading a powerful rendition of the Last Post.

Helicopters from nearby RAF Benson held a flypast and the Station Commander, Group Captain Adam Wardrope, laid a wreath at the war memorial on behalf of the station.

121 residents died in the world wars and school children were invited to lay a poppy for each of them.