Remembrance Day: South East pays respects to the fallen

People across the south east of England have gathered to honour service personnel who died during conflicts, as part of the annual Remembrance Sunday services.

A two-minute silence was observed as events took place at memorials across the region.

In town and villages across Kent, Sussex and Surrey, crowds gathered to observe ceremonies and parades.

Wreaths were also left at local war memorials in tribute to the fallen.

On Saturday, people across the south east also gathered to mark Armistice Day.

In the village of Rusthall, near Tunbridge Wells, poppies were scattered from the belfry of St Paul’s church during a remembrance service.

Attending a service in Ashford were Clive Armitage and Alan Brind who both served in the Royal Navy in the Falklands War.

Mr Armitage described the day as a “respectful and sad time”.

He added: “We lost a lot of shipmates in the south Atlantic, and the least we can do is pay our respects.”

Mr Brind said: “It’s not only for the First and Second World War, it’s for remembering people that have given up everything.”

Clive Armitage and Alan Brind who both served in the Royal Navy during the Falklands War

‘Comradeship’

Wing Cdr Shaun Ryles MBE spoke of a sense of comradeship: “I’ve had the honour of being in most of the wars of the last 25 years.

“I’ve lost a lot of friends over those years and it’s the one time where just I take stock of that.”

Wing Cdr Shaun Ryles MBE, of the Royal Air Force, has spent 33 years in uniform

In Hastings, a service was held at the war memorial in Alexandra Park followed by a parade.

Between Thursday and Sunday, lights in Bottle Alley, a 1,500 ft (457m) walkway along the seafront, were illuminated in red.

Former military personnel take part in the Remembrance Day event in Ashford, Kent

In Royal Tunbridge Wells, a service of remembrance, thanksgiving and dedication took place at the war memorial.

Crowds gathered by the war memorial to lay wreaths and watch the parade march through the town.

A number of roads were closed so people could gather to pay their respects and watch the event

Poppy wreaths were left at the war memorial in Tunbridge Wells

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.