South Shields residents lined the town’s streets to honour those fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Veterans and currently serving Armed Forces personnel gathered this morning (November 9) at South Shields Town Hall before the Remembrance Sunday parade marched along Westoe Road to Westoe Cenotaph where crowds waited for their arrival.

Wreaths being laid at Westoe Cenotaph in South Shields. | TIM RICHARDSON/SOUTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL

placeholder image — Wreaths being laid at Westoe Cenotaph in South Shields. | TIM RICHARDSON/SOUTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL

During the service a moving rendition of the Last Post was played with poppy wreaths laid by local school children and Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Commander Edward NcNaught.

At 11am the town fell silent as the crowds honoured those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Crowds gather to pay their respects. | TIM RICHARDSON/SOUTH TYNESIDE COUNCIL

A poppy wreath was also laid by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Jay Potts.

Speaking about the importance of remembrance, Cllr Potts said: “These events provide an opportunity for people to come together for a quiet and dignified reflection, to pay their respects and remember all those who have sacrificed so much for this country and given their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.

"It is also a chance to salute those armed forces personnel who are still on active service around the world today.”

Remembrance Sunday events also took place outside of Jarrow Town Hall, St John's Church in Hebburn, and the war memorials at both Cleadon Village and Whitburn.

Remembrance Sunday takes place on the second Sunday of November each year to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War.