Thousands came out to remember those who have lost their lives in war at the Remembrance Day service and parade in Weymouth.

Just before 11am on Sunday, November 12 veterans, cadets and youth divisions of the armed services gathered next to the war memorial along the Esplanade with the mayor Cllr Kate Wheller, and representatives from the forces, local associations and organisations.  

As they all gathered to pay their respects and lay wreaths, the rain stopped, and a glimmer of sunshine was seen as Reverend Betty Port began the service.

During the Act of Remembrance, the Last Post was played before the firing of a canon on the beach signalled a two-minute silence.

Rev Port then read out several prayers before the laying of the wreaths at the cenotaph, which was followed by the national anthem and then the parade down the seafront.

Ian Jarvis, a veteran who served 26 years in the Royal Armoured Corps, laid his own wreath after the parade had got underway.

He said: “The turnout here was pretty amazing.  

“It is a really well attended memorial service, there are a huge number of wreaths and there was no hassle or trouble which is always good.

“We laid a wreath for the Royal Dragoon Guards, for the guys who didn’t come back from Afghanistan.”

Veterans were given a round of applause as they made their way past the crowds, with the cadets and young divisions of the Armed Forces turning to salute the mayor and military representatives outside the Hotel Prince Regent.

Ian added: “This is a nice Remembrance to attend.

“Previous to this I was the county chairman for the Royal British Legion, so I had to go around other places but this is first time I’m not county chair, so this is where I chose to be.

“That’s the beauty about Remembrance, it's not about who you are with, it's who you chose to remember and where you choose to go.”

Known to many by the nickname 'JJ', Ian has also helped to raise thousands of pounds for the Poppy Appeal.

He continued: “I collect for the Poppy Appeal. We started on October 26 and the last collection day was yesterday (November 11).

“We raised approximately £11,000 but the final number is not in yet.”