Hitchin town centre fell silent at 11am on Remembrance Sunday to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country.

A large crowd gathered at the cenotaph near to St Mary's Church to pay tribute to the fallen during the Act of Remembrance.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial by a number of dignitaries including Hitchin MP Bim Afolami, North Herts District Council leader Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg as well as representatives from the police and Hitchin cadets.

The public ceremony included Rev Christopher Bunce reading the poem 'For the Fallen' by Laurence Binyon which included the line:'They shall now grow old as we that are left grow old.'

The Last Post was played shortly before the two minute silence at 11am, prior to the hymn O God, Our Help In Ages Past sung by those present.

Hitchin's parliamentarian Mr Afolami told Nub News: "It was a wonderful service at St Mary's and it was so moving to see Hitchin come together to honour those who have given their lives in defence of our country.

"I was honoured to be asked to read the lesson.

"I would like to thank Rev Bunce for his stewardship of the service and the whole event."

The ceremony in Hitchin on Sunday morning was notable for the large number of younger people present, including from the cadets, guides and scouts, with the torch of Remembrance passed to younger generations.

Speaking to Nub News after the ceremony, members of the Hitchin Army Cadet Force praised the large turnout, which honoured those who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world in service to their country.

Sergeant Instructor Debbie Stammers and Staff Sargent Michael Cavanagh said: "It's great to see there has been a huge turnout despite Covid.

"It's really great for the cadets and the younger generation in our town to see.

"A lot of young people from all three services actually get involved. It's great that everyone in the town can come together.

"It's absolutely important for everyone to honour the sacrifices made.

"It's important for this to be passed down from generation to generation. It's a very good thing."

"It was a lovely service. It was a good day."

Prior to the service Hitchin Nub News also reported on schoolchildren paying tribute on Armistice Day by making poppies.

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