RESPECTS were paid to remember the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our country.

Wreaths were laid at Maldon war memorial in the High Street on Remembrance Sunday.

Everyone was invited to the act of remembrance and wreath-laying event which began at 10.50am.

There was a short service followed by a two-minute silence at 11am.

The service was led by the Maldon and Heybridge branch of the Royal British Legion.

Members of the Army, Navy, Maldon sea cadets, and school pupils were among those paying their respects and laying wreaths.

Maldon MP Sir John Whittingdale, town mayor Andrew Lay and Maldon District Council vice chairman Stephen Nunn laid wreaths during the ceremony.

Mr Lay said: “I am proud to be part of such a moving occasion, which was supported by so many people.

“A particularly poignant moment came when a wreath was laid for Ukraine.“

The service was among many services in the district including in Heybridge and Burnham-On-Crouch.

Jeanette Stilts, secretary of Maldon and Heybridge Royal British Legion, said: “We were pleased with the turnout of so many people showing their respect and thank the mayor and town council for organising the civic event.

“It was nice to see so many veterans marching along with the cadet forces.

“As with previous years the High Street was packed with people attending the service and over 40 wreaths were laid.

“We are trying to get the local Maldon and Heybridge District Branch of the Royal British Legion back to a high active membership.

“We meet on the second Tuesday of the month in the Constitutional Club at 7.30pm if anyone would like to join us.

“Our annual general meeting is on December 13 at 7pm in the Constitutional Club and we are looking for new active committee members.”