THOUSANDS of people around Worcestershire yesterday paid their respects to those who gave their today for our tomorrow.

At Worcester Cathedral, young and old, members of the public, civic dignitaries, former service men and women and political representatives packed in for the Remembrance Day service.

Following the service, the parade, led by 214 (Worcestershire) Battery Royal Artillery, marched down the High Street to Queen Street via St Swithin's Street and Mealcheapen Street.

The route was lined by hundreds of people standing quietly in the autumn sunshine.

Marching to a band, the parade, which included members of the Royal British Legion, St John Ambulance and air, sea and army cadets, gave a salute to the Mayor of Worcester, Coun Aubrey Tarbuck, outside the Guildhall.

Charles Harding, aged 80, who served in the Worcestershire Regiment between 1945 and 1947 was one of those in the parade.

He said: "It is important to remember those people who were killed in the wars.

"My dad served in the First World War. He would feel proud to see that people still remember."

Fred Chadwick, aged 76, who served with the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment from 1947 to 1953, said he was happy to see so many young people attending the event.

He said: "Once, a lot of young people didn't really understand this day. But they are getting into it."

Gunner Ruth Pearson, aged 17, from 214 (Worcestershire) Battery Royal Artillery, said: "It is important for my generation to remember the sacrifices that were made so that we could enjoy our freedom."