THE sun shone down on a clear, if somewhat chilly day, as large crowds turned out for Remembrance Day services across the Cotswolds.

Hundreds gathered around Moreton's war memorial last Sunday and stood in silence to remember all those who gave their lives for their country in two world wars. Above them a Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal flag fluttered from its bracket at Ben Jeffrey's ironmongers' shop.

As the crowd waited by the memorial a parade of ex-servicemen, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides, Brownies and representatives from the Fire Service College and other services gathered outside the town's Royal British Legion Club before marching to the memorial led by the Celebration Reed and Brass Band from Evesham.

A trumpeter played The Last Post before an immaculately-observed two minutes' silence and then, as representatives from many different organisations in and around the town laid wreaths at the memorial, the band played on.

The parade then returned to the Legion Club, just before a brief shower of rain.

Similar services took place in towns and villages throughout the Cotswolds. Large crowds were also present in Bourton for the act of Remembrance before a service at the Baptist Church.

In Stow Remembrance Day was marked by a procession from The Square to a packed St Edward's Church where the Rev John Parkinson took the service. Wreaths were laid at the war memorial in the church by various town organisations.

The bright sunshine was a pleasant change from the howling wind and rain that greeted more than 100 people who turned out at the Cross in the Square to remember the fallen at 11am last Saturday.

Members of the Royal British Legion were out in force as a lone bugler played The Last Post and the Legion standard was lowered before a rainswept two minutes' silence and a short service.

The town's rugby club also paid its respects to club members who died in the armed forces. Players and supporters laid wreaths and observed a two minutes' silence at their memorial stone before their match last Saturday.

The Bishop of Worcester, the Right Rev Dr Peter Selby, honoured Broadway by preaching at the village Remembrance Day service at St Michael and All Angels Church on Sunday.

Vicar Canon Peter Burch said: "The church was absolutely packed - it was practically standing room only."

Rosemary Rose, chairman of the women's section of the Royal British Legion, said: "We held a service at the war memorial with the men's section, members of the Beavers, fire fighters and parish councillors, and about 14 wreaths were laid on behalf of different organisation. Villagers turned out to support us. It was a lovely day, and it was especially good to see the children taking part in the church service afterwards."

Other parades took place in Chipping Campden, Shipston, Winchcombe and Chipping Norton to mark the occasion.