AS clocks struck 11am on Remembrance Sunday, crowds at memorial services across the area fell silent to honour those who have lost their lives in conflict.

From babes in arms to veterans in their 90s, young and old came together in solemn respect.

Hundreds of people lined all sides of the gardens around the Bournemouth War Memorial for the service conducted by Reverend Canon Jim Richardson, team rector of Bournemouth Town Centre parish, along with clergy representing other denominations from the town.

Ex-servicemen and women joined youngsters from youth organisations including cadets, scout and guides, for a parade from Exeter Crescent, through the town to the memorial.

The poignant service was attended by Bournemouth mayor Stephen Chappell, the deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset John Young, Bournemouth MPs Tobias Ellwood and Sir John Butterfill, civic dignitaries and service representatives.

After the laying of wreaths, the parade reformed and marched back through the town centre led by the Boscombe Salvation Army Band.

In Poole, mayor Joyce Lavender was joined by members of the Royal British Legion and representatives from the Royal Marines, the RNLI and youth groups among others for the service at the memorial in Poole Park.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Giles Sturdy, High Sheriff John Raymond and MPs Robert Syms and Annette Brooke attended.

There was also a service at St Michael’s Church in Hamworthy.

See Remembrance Day gallery under related link to the right of this story

Hundreds lined the streets of Christchurch to watch the 200-strong Remembrance Day Parade pass by on its way to the Garden of Remembrance at Priory Church.

Among those parading was Gordon “Richard” England, formerly of the Durham Light Infantry, who took part in the D-Day landings, fought at the Battle of St Pierre and was wounded at Hotot.

In Ferndown, mayor Cllr Lesley Dedman was among the dignitaries to lay wreaths at the memorial service in the town’s St Mary’s Church.

Wreaths were also laid by Brigadier Ian Abbott from West Moors Army Camp, the Royal British Legion’s Terry Burr and the Legion Women’s Section by Sue Freeborough midway through the moving ceremony.

Following the service, worshippers paraded to the Royal British Legion in Church Road.

At Sway, Cllr Barry Rickman laid his first poppy wreath as leader of New Forest District Council.

Numerous wreaths were laid at New Milton’s war memorial, including one from district council chairman Cllr Paul Woods.

In Swanage the silence was marked at 11am, followed by a parade at 2.30pm when 100 soldiers from Blandford, who have the liberty of the town, joined the marchers on their way to St Mary’s Church.

And in Wareham a remembrance parade marched to a service at Lady St Mary Church, then to the memorial in North Street for the laying of wreaths.