CROWDS lined the streets of south Essex to remember those who lost their lives fighting for their country.

Veterans, soldiers and dignitaries marched through town centres, including Southend, Basildon and Canvey, to mark a particularly poignant Remembrance Sunday.

This year, marked the centenary of the start of the First World War.

People were queueing outside St Martin’s Church, in Basildon, where candles were lit in memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Addressing the crowd, Rev Esther McCafferty said: “This year has been a very special year of remembrance and I’ve wanted to do all I could to remember, in a very personal way, those who gave their lives for their country.

“There is such a lovely amount of people here.

“It’s great to see such a crowd, especially as we celebrate the centenary of the First World War.”

In Southend, the parade, which included Cadets, Scout groups, former servicemen and politicians, made its way to the Cenotaph, in Clifftown Parade, with music provided by the Salvation Army and Air Training Corps.

Chris Walker, mayor of Southend, said: “It’s hugely important to honour and pay tribute to all those brave men and women who gave their lives in the twoworld wars and other conflicts since.”

On Canvey, the parade made its way from Runnymede to The Paddocks, in Long Road, for a service of hymns and prayers, before Rev David Tudor dedicated the newlyrefurbished war memorial wall.

The memorial, to the island’s war dead, was looking tired and dated until residents and local councils stumped up £33,000 to spruce it up ahead of Remembrance Sunday.