Silence fell across Oxfordshire yesterday, as people stood to remember those who lost their lives in war.

Thousands of people around the county packed churches and gathered around war memorials to lay wreathes and pay their respects to those who died in the two world wars and other conflicts.

Among those marking the sombre occasion were ex-servicemen and women, supporters of the Royal British Legion, Scouts and Guides, army and air cadets, Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

At 11am, people stood for the two-minute silence, heralded by The Last Post.

The largest ceremony took place in St Giles, Oxford, where crowds applauded a procession of ex-servicemen.

In Wantage, a remembrance service was held in the Parish Church of SS Peter and Paul, followed by a service and wreath-laying ceremony in Grove cemetery.

Among those taking part in the ceremonies was Royal British Legion standard bearer Adrian Johns, 19.

He also carried the Wantage branch standard at Saturday'sFestival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The secretary of the Wantage Branch, Group Captain David Newell, said: "We remember those who have given their lives and those injured physically and mentally, and think about what we can do to help the living who suffered in war, and their children."

Ceremonies were also held in West Hanney and Charney Basset, near Wantage.

Michael Lamble, the chairman of the Royal British Legion, Hanney Branch, said: "We had a good turnout, including members of the Royal British legion, RAF Regiment Association, Sea Scouts and Cubs."