SERVICE personnel and veterans from across Dorset gathered at memorials on Remembrance Sunday.

Bournemouth fell silent as hundreds gathered at the Cenotaph in the Central Gardens to pay their respects to the men and women who lost their lives in conflict.

A cannon fired at 11 am to mark a two-minute silence, during which attendees bowed their heads to remember those who died in war.

The Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor George Farquhar, Bournemouth Charter Trustees and other civic dignitaries attended the commemoration.

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Speaking on the Remembrance Day service, Cllr Farquhar said: “It was a fantastic service, and it was very much for the veterans of Bournemouth.

"I am deeply honoured to attend the service as the Mayor of Bournemouth. We put on a good show every year, and we’ve had a phenomenal turnout.”

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The Salvation Army led the parade through the town, playing The Last Post on brass instruments.

Ex-servicemen and women, cadets, and Scouts marched through the town centre and the Central Gardens to the war memorial.

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The service was led by Revd Dr Steve Parselle and attended by Bournemouth MPs Tom Hayes and Jessica Toale.

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes said: “To look directly into the faces of our local veterans is very moving.

"I particularly enjoyed seeing the young Scouts joining the parade and marching past, because it reminds you of the connection between the past and the present. Today was about uniting sacrifice and service.

"People have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety, freedoms, and values of our country, and we should never forget that.”

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Hundreds of residents attended the commemoration, including Sarah Naptin from Broadstone, who described the service as “wholesome.”

She said: “It was a wonderful service, the turnout is amazing, and it’s nice to see the community come together to remember our fallen servicemen and women.”

All three towns in BCP held poignant ceremonies at their war memorials, along with services of Remembrance elsewhere across the conurbation.

In Poole, the parade set off from the cricket pavilion at 10.30 am, heading to the War Memorial in Poole Park.

Christchurch’s parade took place between Bargates and Christchurch Priory, led by the Royal British Legion, with a wreath-laying and priory service.