YOUNG and old stood shoulder to shoulder at remembrance services across the district on Sunday.

Civic dignitaries, cadets and veterans were among those who marked Remembrance Day on Sunday - which also fell on Armistice Day, November 11 - by laying wreaths and saying prayers in memory of the nation's war dead.

Students at the West Somerset Community College were among the first to pay their respects with a special service held at the end of the college week on Friday.

They were reminded that Remembrance Day and a two-minute silence had been observed in the UK since the end of World War One, and their relevance remained undiminished as troops were currently on duty in Afghanistan and other trouble spots around the world.

Students were also invited to plant a cross in the college's own Garden of Remembrance, an idea taken from the Royal British Legion.

The first Field of Remembrance ceremony was held in the grounds of Westminster Abbey in November 1928.

That year only two remembrance crosses were planted, but it began a tradition that took root and grew over the decades.

Rachel Crocker, college subject leader for history, thanked everyone who took part in the remembrance events.

On Sunday, local legion members organised the traditional parade through Minehead from the Royal British Legion headquarters in Bancks Street to the town's methodist church in The Avenue for the annual Remembrance Sunday service.

Afterwards, wreaths were laid at the war memorial on North Hill.

In Watchet, West Somerset Brass Band led a parade through the town to the Methodist church in Harbour Road.

Representatives from Watchet Royal British Legion were joined by town councillors, members of local youth groups and new town crier David Milton.

The church service was conducted by Deacon Vincent Woods and the Rev Bethan Guttridge.

Earlier in the day, two minutes' silence was observed outside the council offices in Swain Street at 11am.

Members of the town's sea scouts also did their bit for the annual Poppy Appeal when they enlisted the help of Royal Marines from Norton Fitzwarren-based 40 Commando to do a collection on board a West Somerset Railway train between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead on Saturday.

In Williton, local legion members marked Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day with a service in the village's Methodist church led by the Rev Justine Richards.

She spoke of wartime memories and the need to remember those who gave their lives to ensure the freedom of later generations.

Those attending the service ranged in age from just a few months to over 90 and were also treated to a short concert of wartime-era music played by Glyn Court.

His specially selected music included songs to stir memories among those who served in the Armed Forces to wartime factory workers, firefighters, Bevin Boys and the wives and families who had been left behind at home.

Jane Sefton, of Williton Methodist Church, said: "Speaking as one born after the war, I am immensely grateful for all that was done for me, all the hardship, sacrifice and loss on the part of those who fought and those who waited for them at home.

"I am sure I speak for many when I say that."

Photos: Ian Beech Images