A SOMBRE atmosphere fell on towns and villages in mid Essex as the country came together to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.

Onlookers came in their thousands to pay respects to the fallen at the weekend in various parades, services and periods of silence.

In Halstead, a procession marched through the town before gathering at the war memorial.

Halstead Gazette: Younger and older generations both gathered to pay their respects (Picture: Tony Sale)Younger and older generations both gathered to pay their respects (Picture: Tony Sale) (Image: Tony Sale)

Gatherers began in the public gardens at the Second World War memorial for the first service, before heading up High Street to St Andrew’s Church for a service in the churchyard by the First World War memorial.

Halstead Gazette: The procession marched up the Halstead High Street (Picture: Tony Sale)The procession marched up the Halstead High Street (Picture: Tony Sale) (Image: Tony Sale)

Halstead Gazette: Gathers take part in a service outside St Andrew's Church (Picture: Tony Sale)Gathers take part in a service outside St Andrew's Church (Picture: Tony Sale) (Image: Tony Sale)

The event ended with a service inside the church.

Hundreds attended, including town mayor Jackie Pell, Braintree Council vice-chairman Diana Garrod and president of Halstead Rotary Club David Ainge.

Halstead Gazette: Halstead Rotary Club president David Ainge lays a wreath (Picture: Tony Sale)Halstead Rotary Club president David Ainge lays a wreath (Picture: Tony Sale) (Image: Tony Sale)

Halstead Gazette: Braintree Council vice-chairman Diana Garrod pays her respects (Picture: Tony Sale)Braintree Council vice-chairman Diana Garrod pays her respects (Picture: Tony Sale) (Image: Tony Sale)

Halstead Gazette: Jackie Pell honours the fallen with a flower wreath (Picture: Tony Sale)Jackie Pell honours the fallen with a flower wreath (Picture: Tony Sale) (Image: Tony Sale)

Mrs Pell said: “It was a good turnout, but it always is.

“It brought everyone together, young and old, and it helps to educate the younger ones as to what some of the older generations went through.

“These events are so important because we have to remember the past.

“There is so much suffering in the world at the moment, so we have to not forget some of our people are still serving in other countries.

“But the whole day was really lovely.”

Halstead Gazette: Youngsters pay their respects (Picture: Tony Sale)Youngsters pay their respects (Picture: Tony Sale) (Image: Tony Sale)

Sgt Mayle and PC Scott were chosen to represent Essex Police in laying a wreath in the town this year.

Halstead Gazette: Sgt Mayle and PC Scott (Picture: Essex Police)Sgt Mayle and PC Scott (Picture: Essex Police) (Image: Essex Police)

Halstead MP and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was at the service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London, alongside fellow cabinet members, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Halstead Gazette: Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall (Picture: PA)Home Secretary Suella Braverman and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall (Picture: PA) (Image: PA)

He said: “It was an honour to pay tribute to our fallen servicemen and women at the Cenotaph this morning.

“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Mr Cleverly then travelled to Braintree to be a part of their service at St Michael's Church.