Remembrance services took place across the county yesterday as people came together to pay their respects to servicemen and women. 

In Weymouth, crowds lined the Esplanade as the town’s annual Service of Remembrance was held at the cenotaph.

The town fell quiet at 11am to the sound on the Last Post as a saluting cannon fired across the bay, marking the beginning and end of a minute's silence.

Derek Thomas, who served in the army for 36 years, comes to the service every year to remember his father and two uncles - whose names are written on the cenotaph. 

“I expect everyone has their own reason to be here and a person in mind they are remembering,” he said. 

Mr Thomas added he was pleased to see the younger generation involved and the cadets on parade. 

Weymouth resident, Robert Kirkpatrick said standing by the beach was "the most beautiful setting for the service."

Following the service, both veterans and current serving personnel paraded along the Esplanade to applause from the crowd. 

Norman Apps who served in the Royal Navy for 20 years said he was pleased such a large crowd had turned out. 

"Recent conflicts have brought to people’s attention just how much we owe the armed forces,” he said. 

Addressing the crowd at a short service at the American War Memorial, Weymouth and Portland Mayor, Cllr Kevin Brookes said he was immensely proud to play a part in the day’s ceremony. 

He added it was important to remember "the invisible army of unsung heroes" who cared for servicemen returning from war. 

The mayor then laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Weymouth and Portland. 

On Portland, a parade was followed by a service at the cenotaph, led by Rev Tim Gomm and town mayor Cllr Charlie Flack led the wreath laying ceremony followed by MP for South Dorset, Richard Drax. 

Cllr Flack said: "It was humbling to see so many wreaths laid including hand made ones from the younger generations from scouts to pre-school all done with respect and dignity."

Dorchester’s remembrance parade began at North Square, marching down Cornhill and South Street before assembling at the town’s war memorial where commemorative wreaths were laid.

Dorchester town councillor, Stella Jones said more people than ever turned out. 

"It was a great success with every one standing in the sunshine. Young children from Damer's school laid the wreaths and the Scouts, Cubs and Brownies were all involved, which was great to see," she said. 

A service of commemoration was then held at Fordington cemetery in homage to German prisoners of war. 

Remembrance services also took place in Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis.