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.

A helicopter from RAF Benson made a fly-past after the service in Wallingford.

The mayor Nigel Moor, airmen from RAF Benson, and representatives of the Royal British Legion were among those gathered around the war memorial.

The Last Post was sounded by 60-year-old Howard Brett, from Cholsey.

Mr Brett, a member of Cholsey Silver Band, has sounded the call for the past 25 years.

His son, Mark Brett, 28, said: "It was a very poignant moment for people to remember what soldiers did for them in past wars, and it was very humbling for me to see my father up there playing The Last Post, as he's done every year."