HUNDREDS fell silent around the Basingstoke war memorial earlier today exactly 100 years after the end of the First World War was declared.

Gathered around the Basingstoke war memorial, situated next to the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council offices in London Road, a crowd of hundreds of people of all different ages congregated to take part in a Remembrance service.

Wreathes of poppies were laid by many different people and on behalf of organisations and the armed forces. Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Cllr Sean Keating, Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, representatives from Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service were among those who laid wreathes at the monument.

While the various community organisations were laying their wreathes, a Chinnok helicopter from RAF Odiham flew by, much to the delight of the waving crowd.

The service, hosted by Mayor’s Chaplain Father Chris Whelan, spoke in honour of those who took part in the war.

Father Whelan said to the crowd: “This event marks 100 years since the end of the First World War. Today, we remember those brave men and women who made it possible for us to be here today, past and present.

“We pray for peace, and remember those who brave people who fought for us here today.”

After the prayers and the service, the Mayor watched the parade go past in New Road, with all the organisations in attendance from the Army to the Scouts marching past.

There are still Armistice events happening around the town, with a poppy making workshop for young children taking place in Porchester Square in Festival Place and in Castle Square, local theatre company, Scratchbuilt Productions, in collaboration with Tin Shed Scenery, will introduce the girls at work in the Thornycroft factory in Basingstoke, helping to create the vehicles the company is famous for, making a car from wood.

There will also be and 2pm and 3pm a ‘Once Upon A Wartime’ storytelling session with Bryn Strudwick for children in Castle Square.