FORMER servicemen and women and local dignitaries packed a church to remember the fallen of the Battle of Britain.

Southend Air Cadets led the march from the Royal Naval and Military Club to St John’s Church, in Southend, where a service of remembrance was held.

Southend West MP David Amess attended, along with mayor and mayoress Chris and Janet Walker. Ron Woodley, leader of Southend Council, and chief executive Rob Tinlin also attended the anniversary service to those who gave their lives in the summer and autumn of 1940.

The service was conducted by the Rev Bob Mayor, chaplain of Southend branch of the Royal Air Force Association.

Peter Nobbs, social secretary of the association, said: “It went very well.

“We marched down to the church and marched back to outside the Naval and Military club.

“Numbers go down every year for obvious reasons.

There are not many left from the war now, but it’s still important to mark this occasion.

“The weather was very fine. We always seem to be very lucky with the weather.

“Southend ATC led the parade with their band. They always have a good turnout. I think they outnumber us now.”