SILENT tributes were paid to the war dead in Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Rubery and surrounding villages both on Friday and Sunday, when the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country were remembered.

A procession led by Bromsgrove's Salvation Army band comprising among others the armed services, police, civic leaders, and representatives from many other local organisations marched from High Street to St John's Church for the annual Remembrance Service.

In his address the vicar, the Rev Nigel Marns, took as his theme the parable of the Talents and urged the large congregation to use their gifts to help each other, has had happened to achieve victory in the last war.

On a topical note he spoke of suicide bombers who believing their actions ensured them a place in heaven are instead condemned to eternal blackness.

As an example of what can be achieved by people working together, he cited the recently restored Lutheran cathedral in Dresden whose crowning glory, an orb and cross, was made by a British silversmith whose father had been a member of a crew who flew bombing missions over the city.

During the service 18 wreaths were laid on the church war memorial. Wreaths were later laid during a short service at the Burma Star memorial in Crown Close.

At Rubery around 400 people gathered for a service outside St Chad's Church after marching from the Royal British Legion headquarters.

Last Friday, Armistice Day at 11am, Bromsgrove came to a virtual standstill as members of the Royal British Legion led the town's two-minutes silence.

And in Droitwich, when the clock struck on the eleventh hour, the crowds that had lined the streets and gathered at the War Memorial in Victoria Square saw the standards lowered by members of the Royal British Legion as the Last Post was played.

Young children and war veterans alike stood shoulder to shoulder as the two minutes' silence was observed in honour of the people who fell so we can be free.

People were given the chance to think about the 1.3million people that have fallen during conflicts since the First World War as the words "We will remember them" were uttered amongst the gathering.

Second World War veteran Alexander 'Ricky' Recardo, who joined the war effort in 1939 - when motorcyclists were requested to be despatch riders, laid a wreath for his fallen pals.

Ricky fought until the end of the war and was one of thousands to land in Normandy during D-Day.

He said: "We can't forget, it is an important date for our country that must be remembered.

"A lot more youngsters are getting involved now and a lot of that is down to the schools.

"It is also important that they know and understand what happened," he added.

Droitwich Spa's Mayor, Cllr Richard Morris, added: "The date is important not only for the people who were involved in the fighting but for their families, friends and loved ones as well."

On Remembrance Sunday, people again led by the town's Royal British Legion, gathered at the Victoria Square memorial to lay wreaths and pay their respects.

This was followed by a special Rremembrance Day service at St Andrew's Church after a parade by townsfolk, veterans, members of the Royal British Legion, and other dignitaries.