REMEMBRANCE Sunday in Ledbury was marked with one of the largest gatherings ever seen in the town for the annual event, together with a most impressive parade through the High Street.

The crowd last year was estimated by organisers at around 500 strong, and the crowd at this year's gathering was probably slightly over that.

This, after all, is an extra special year, being the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The day started blustery with heavy rainfall.

But the sky cleared by the time crowds started to gather in the town centre, by the War Memorial, by the Market House and all along the High Street, on both sides.

Ledbury Community Brass Band, based under the Market House and under the baton of musical director, Colin Herbert, kept up a rendition of stirring music, including traditional hymns such as "Abide With Me" and "O God our help in ages past".

Then the parade arrived in the town centre, to rousing marching tunes.

Virtually every organisation in Ledbury was represented, from the Army Cadets, Scouts, Guides and Brownies through to Royal British Legion and the Emergency Services.

And this was reflected by the numbers of poppy wreaths that were laid at the war memorial.

The standard bearer for the Ledbury Branch of the Royal British Legion was Ian Stephens.

The Crew of HMS Ledbury have the freedom of the town, and a detachment from the "Hunt class" minesweeper was commanded by Lieutenant Martin Lee RN, the ship’s Gunnery Officer.

VIPS and civic dignitaries included the mayor of Ledbury, Cllr Annette Crowe and Thomas N. Hone DL, who was representing the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire.

The ‘Kohima Epitaph’ was recited by Wing Commander Don Rule MBE RAF (Retired).

Speaking before the service, and eyeing the unpromising sky, Wing Commander Rule commented that in thirty years of attending Remembrance Sunday in Ledbury, there had only been heavy rain once. This year did not add to that total, despite leaden skies as the parade headed towards St Michael and All Angels Church, for the community church service.

The Parade Marshall was Captain Len Huff, RD RMR, who was a firm and dignified presence in the town centre, to ensure that all went to plan.