ON Sunday, thousands of people across Redditch and surrounding villages took part in parades and services to remember members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

In Headless Cross, more than 200 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and leaders took part in a parade, lead by the Redditch District Scout and Guide Band.

The parade left the Feckenham Road headquarters and made its way to the Bridge Church, where everyone joined in the Remembrance Day service lead by the Rev Jo Musson.

After observing the two minutes silence by the war memorial, the parade made its way back to the headquarters.

On November 9, In Rowney Green, a memorial service was held for a crew of five Canadian airmen who were killed in a plane crash there on November 9, 1943.

The Wellington Bomber had been returning to RAF Pershore when it suffered engine failure, stalled, and nose-dived to the ground.

Among the many hundreds present were two relatives of the Canadian airmen. Pupils from Alvechurch Middle School laid five crosses, one in memory of each of the airmen.

On Remembrance Sunday, there was a large turn-out in Alvechurch for an act of rembrance and service, led by the rector of Alvechurch and Baptist minister.

Karen Lumley MP visited the Kingfisher Centre to meet Royal British Legion poppy sellers. She said: “These people give up their time every year to raise money for the Royal British Legion and help us remember those who fought and lost their lives protecting us. We will never forget those who gave their lives for us.”

She added: “On Sunday, I attended the two Remembrance Sunday memorials held in Redditch at St Stephen’s Church and Plymouth Road.

“They were brilliantly attended and as always provided a time to reflect and remember that people have given everything so we can enjoy peace today.”

And in Studley, the roads fell silent as number groups, organisations and individuals came out to pay tribute to those who have fallen in conflict.