WHITCHURCH joined the rest of the country in falling silent on Armistice Day to remember people who lost their lives in war.

A service was held in front of St Alkmund's Church and was attended by Whitchurch mayor, Councillor Andy Hall, the deputy lord lieutenant of Shropshire Tullis Matson, members of the Whitchurch branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and a Chelsea pensioner, Mike Shanahan.

A coffee morning was also held to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.

Cllr Hall praised the turnout and hopes there will be a large turnout for Remembrance Sunday.

He added: "It is a poignant moment and it was great to see people turn up for it.

"We hope to have a big turnout on Remembrance Day on Sunday.

"As the mayor, it is always an honour to remember the service of our armed forces."

Whitchurch Town Council paid tribute to the RBL for its work and Mr Shanahan.

Mike McDonald, Whitchurch Town Council clerk, said: "It is so important to support the work of the RBL.

"Poppies, which contribute to this, are available in the Civic Centre.

"It is a small price to pay to remember past sacrifices and we were honoured that local Chelsea Pensioner, Mike Shanahan, joined us this morning for our Armistice Day proceedings.

"Wear your poppy with pride."

The coffee morning to raise money for the Poppy Appeal took place in the Civic Centre and the chairman of the Whitchurch Branch of the RBL, Rupert Hutchinson-Smith thanked those who attended for their support.

He added: "We have had lots of loyal support and the object is to fly the remembrance flag.

"All the money we raise goes into the Poppy Appeal which is a crucial part of the Legion's management of our veterans and their welfare.

"We get very good support which is as it should be."

Mr Hutchinson-Smith spoke of the importance of remembering the sacrifices of previous generations during the world wars.

He explained: "It is extremely important.

"We have to remember that the poppy was formed after the First World War because in the area where the fighting took place, all the muddy battlefields became fields of poppies.

"So that then became a representation of remembrance.

"Every family across the nation has got somebody, a relation at some stage who fought for their country and many have died and been injured.

"So it is a really important time for every family across the nation to remember the people who fought on their behalf.

"It is important to keep this alive and keep this going."