THOUSANDS of people paid tribute to Halton’s war heroes at two moving remembrance services yesterday.

A record number of around 5,000 attended the annual Sunday morning civic ceremony in glorious sunshine in Victoria Park, Widnes.

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of war veterans as they stood in silence at Runcorn Cenotaph in the afternoon.

The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs joined civic dignitaries, ex service men and women, youth groups and organisations at both commemorations.

The Mayor of Halton Clr Shaun Osborne said:”It was very poignant.

“I was delighted to see so many young people.

“We say ‘When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today’.

“We must remember people who are still giving up their lives for our freedom.”

Frodsham Silver Band led the Widnes procession as it paraded through the park.

Army cadets, air cadets and sea cadets were followed by scouts and guides.

The haunting Last Post was followed by a minute’s silence.

Leader of Halton Council, Clr Rob Polhill said: “I have never seen so many people attend our Remembrance Sunday services.

“It was wonderful to see thousands of people come to pay their respects.”

Pupils from SS Peter and Paul Catholic College laid a wreath.

Familes of the fallen also placed their poppies at the cenotaph.

Many people said they wanted to join the commemoration as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

It is also 70 years since the D-Day landings.