THIS year's parades and two minutes silence at 11am fell just two days before the 90th anniversary of the armistice at the end of the First World War. In Bristol, thousands made their way to the Cenotaph on the centre after gathering on College Green.

The parade was led by the kilt-wearing City of Bristol Pipe and Drums and followed by crew from HMS Flying Fox, the Royal Marines Commando Reserves and other groups, including army cadets, sea cadets and the Salvation Army.

They were joined by war vets from the Second World War who proudly wore their medals, together with representatives from the Royal British Legion and the city's civic leaders headed by Lord Mayor Chris Davies.

Yesterday's tribute was a chance to honour those soldiers killed in far more recent conflicts, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that continue to claim British lives.

Jacqueline Matthews, 49, from Knowle Park, was in College Green with her grandaughter Brook, aged three, to watch her daughter Tonia parade in the Naval Reserves.

Mrs Matthews said: "I'm here to support her as well as remember.

"It means a lot to me because of what the servicemen did for us in the wars."

Near to Mrs Matthews were three students from Bristol University, Catherine Waters, 20, Caroline Jordan, 20, and Kate Phillips, 19.

Kate said: "We are here as a mark of respect. I think that it's very important to be here too. It's nice to get everyone remembering the great sacrifices that many people have made for us."

Also in College Green was Sally Arthur, 55, from Brislington, who was wearing four medals won by her late father Stan.

Mrs Arthur said that Remembrance Sunday was always an emotional experience for her.

She said: "Today is very moving, especially since my dad died.

"He had lots of friends who were killed in the war and nobody who ever died, be it one year ago or 100 years ago, should ever be forgotten."

The crowds by the cenotaph were already very quiet, but as the beginning of the two minutes silence was marked at 11am by the guns parked by the Cascade Steps, the only sound to be heard was that of leaves rustling in the trees.

When the silence was over, the Last Post was sounded by a group of trumpeters and wreaths were laid on the Cenotaph by the gathered dignitaries.

The Bishop of Bristol Mike Hill then led the prayers which were conveyed over loudspeaker to the crowds. Readings were also made by representatives of the Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities of Bristol, while the Bishop of Clifton, Declan Lang, also said a prayer.

Bishop Mike then led the Lord's Prayer.

The rain began to fall as soon as the service was over and became heavier as the parade worked its way back to College Green, passing by Bristol's Lord Mayor who took the salute near to the Hippodrome.

Similar parades and services were held throughout the former Avon area, including Weston-super-Mare, Keynsham, Clevedon, and Backwell.

In Yate, members of the Royal British Legion were flanked by Brownies and gymnasts as they made their way to the town's annual remembrance service.

They were joined by the town mayor, councillors and MP Steve Webb in their march from Poole Court to St Mary's Church.

People young and old packed into the church for the service.

The traditional church service included a less traditional sermon from the reverend David Harrex, illustrating the need for peace by enlisting the help of some noisy members of the Brownie pack and several balloons.

There was a reading by Margaret Bracey of the Yate Women's section of the Royal British Legion, and a prayer read by members of the Army Cadets, before the congregation followed the standard bearers and dignitaries into the chill of the outdoors for the completion of the service at the lych gate entrance to the church grounds.

After the Act of Remembrance, the last post was sounded by a lone bugler and the standard bearers, including young Brownies, lowered their banners.

There were words from the mayor of Yate, councillor Mike Robbins, before silence fell among the still crowd as they took two minutes for quiet contemplation.

Dignitaries and representatives of various associations then took their turns to hang their poppy wreaths on the stone work surrounding the church's gate.

The red rings of flowers all hung, deputy mayor of Yate, councillor Ian Blair read the Kohima Epitaph: "When you go home tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow we gave our today".

The gathering sang the national anthem before the vicar's blessing.

Julie Rowsell of Chipping Sodbury, Yate district commissioner for Brownies and Guides was at the service with 20 girls and five leaders.

She said: "Because there is a lot of conflict in the world now it keeps them informed. They are not only remembering the first world wars but what is going on in other countries. It is important they are aware what is going on and realise how lucky they are."

Yate Town councillor, Arthur Adams, said: "All my uncles were soldiers in the First World War and my father fought in the Second World War. He survived and I am grateful for that.

"It was satisfactory to look around this morning and see the number of people who showed up."

Some made their way to the Parnall Grave in the churchyard to remember employees of the aircraft company who lost their lives in raids on its Yate premises in February and March 1941.