SCHOOLS and organisations across south Essex joined in Armistice Day events.

Students at South Essex College bowed their heads in honour of the fallen on Armistice Day.

Youngsters at Hamstel Junior school in Southend made colourful poppies and pupils at Kingsdown School in Basildon followed suit.

Southend Hospital volunteer Leslie Thorington, 83, from Leigh helped remember the fallen as part of Armistice Day.

A veteran from the Korean War, Mr Thorington has volunteered at the hospital in orthopaedics for the last three years and led a two minutes’ silence for around 50 members of staff and patients in that area from the chimes of Big Ben at 11am.

He’d already spent the morning selling poppies at Leigh train station, where he worked part-time until he was 79.

Standing proud in his beret and with his numerous medals on display, Les said: “For many the Korean War is the forgotten war. The fallen in all conflicts have got to be remembered, not just the World Wars.”

Councillors and staff at Essex County Council gathered in Remembrance Square for the two minute silence. The service was led by county council chairman John Aldridge.

Shoppers at the Eastgate Centre also marked the occasion on Friday.

The busy mall feel silent as shoppers forgot their hunt for Christmas goodies to remember the sacrifice of others.