Civic services, silences and parades have been held up and down the county to mark the day the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War.

Firefighters gathered to remember 14 of their predecessors who lost their lives during the First World during a service on Armistice Day.

A parade was held at the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) headquarters at Kelvedon Park.

During the ceremony a plaque bearing the names of the 14 firefighters who died was unveiled by Divisional Officer Moira Bruin.

Their lives have been researched by David Hughes, Essex Fire Museum volunteer.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Adam Eckley said: “Every year we mark Remembrance Day by laying a wreath at our Kelvedon Park Headquarters. This year the ceremony was especially poignant marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and a plaque paying tribute to the Essex firefighters who lost their lives was unveiled.

“As a uniformed service we have a close association with the military and a great many of our staff have served in the armed forces.”

A large crowd gathered outside Clacton Town Hall for a service led by Rev Canon Pat Prestney, including a two minutes’ silence, jointly held by Tendring District Council (TDC) and the Royal British Legion (RBL) Clacton branch.

Council chairman Val Guglielmi said: “Like many people around the country at 11am on November 11 it was a chance for us to think of those who have sacrificed everything in various conflicts around the world.

“A chance to think about what they did for us so that we can have the lives we enjoy today.”

Dan Casey, president of the RBL Clacton branch, added: “As was the case on Sunday this was the largest attendance for many years. It was fantastic to see the youngsters here.”

Staff at TDC’s Weeley Offices also observed a two minutes’ silence gathering around the flag pole at the front of the building in Thorpe Road.

Other events were held across Essex, including at Colchester town hall, where civic leaders were joined by members of the Colchester Garrison for an informal service, County Hall in Chelmsford, and a parade by the RBL in Manningtree.

Reverend Nicholas Henshall ran a service in Remembrance Square, inside County Hall, which was packed for the occasion.