TOWNS and villages in east Suffolk stood silent for two minutes this morning as people paid their respects to those who have fallen in conflict.

People in Stowmarket lined the streets to watch Armed Forces personnel from Wattisham Airfield parade down into the Market Place at 9am.

The Stowmarket Boys’ Brigade Band led the march with several community groups following including the Royal British Legion, Salvation Army, St John Ambulance, Red Cross, Scouting and Guiding Groups and other representatives from the Armed Forces.

David Ruffley MP for Bury St Edmunds attended a service held in St Peter and St Mary’s Church after the parade at 9.30am.

Mr Ruffley, who also represents Stowmarket said: “What was striking in the Remembrance procession was the huge number of young people - the Scouts, the Guides- which is a big a number as any part of my constituency.

“It shows that the youth in Stowmarket and district are very well aware of the importance of Remembrance Day.”

Dignitaries including deputy lord lieutenant for Suffolk, Dennis Stevenson and town councillors also attended.

Town mayor, Anne Whybrow said: “It is one of the main civic events of the year and whatever we do it’s about recognising all of those that have battled and fought for our freedom throughout the years. It’s amazing how year-on-year more and more of the community come out and show their support.”

A service was held in Felixstowe at Trinity Methodist Church at 9.45am.

A parade then marched to the War Memorial by the seafront for the Act of Remembrance which was watched by hundreds of people.

The Salvation Army played the Last Post before representatives from the town’s Royal British Legion gave short readings.

Second World War veteran, Brian Evans, 86, placed a wreath by the memorial for Seafarers UK. He served with the Coastal Forces from 1943-47 and spoke about the importance of Remembrance Sunday: “It’s very important especially for people that did not come back.

“I feel good about it - on the seafront here there’s lots of people, it’s not just a few turned out - people show their appreciation for what happened.”

Felixstowe mayor Mike Deacon said: “[Remembrance Sunday] is to show the debt of gratitude for the people that died which means that we have the freedom that we do.

“Occasions like this make sure we never forget and that will continue. Seeing all the young people here today - it’s important that the sentiment carries on.”