THOUSANDS of people turned out to line the streets in Southend for the poignant service to remember those who gave their lives for their country - in a year marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Crowds lined Clifftown Parade, near the town’s Cenotaph, as Southend’s mayor Derek Jarvis, MPs and councillors, led the town in honouring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Families, many with young children, stood in silence during the service, which started with the sound of Big Ben, piped in live from London.

Schools, youth groups, military organisations, police and fire service members, lined up to lay wreaths on the cenotaph during a number of hymns, including I vow to thee My Country and Abide with Me.

Gemma Lew, 36, who took her family along, said: “It’s so important that we remember all those people who gave their life in conflict.

“The message that church leaders gave at the service is that we shouldn’t forget when we leave the service. We should always remember and the care and consideration we give for others should also endure.”

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said: “Today we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live free.

“I was proud to be laying a wreath today, particularly after getting back from visiting our troops in Kenya on warm weather training. Thank you.”

Services also took place in Leigh, Hockley, Rayleigh and Rochford.