CEREMONIES took place across York and the surrounding area today to remember those who have given their lives in the service of the country, and to honour ex-service personnel.

In York, grey skies and rain did not stop thousands of people turning out to watch the parade through the city, with large crowds then gathering at the Memorial Gardens on Leeman Road for the ceremony.

The main parade marched from Clifford's Tower along Coney Street and across Lendal Bridge. This parade included serving military personnel from all the services and regiments from across the city, along with civilian organisations including Scouts, Guides and St John Ambulance.

The ex-service contingent marched from Stonegate. As they set off, crowds gathered in St Helen's Square broke into an applause.

The band of the Yorkshire Regiment provided the music for the parade and also for the ceremony.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of organisations from across the city, including the Lord Mayor and the Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire.

The Lord Mayor of York Cllr Sonja Crisp said: "It is crucial that we as a city remember those who sacrificed their lives in order to secure peace in the world. I am honoured to be laying the wreath at the Remembrance Sunday Service on behalf of the City."

After the wreath-laying, the hymn "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" was sung.

Following the service, the parade returned through the city centre and the Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, the Lord Mayor and the General of 1st Division took the salute in St Helen’s Square.

There were also ceremonies happening across the region.

In Tadcaster, the ceremony in St Mary's Church was also well-attended. According to one attendee, the fire service personnel received a call midway through the service and had to leave to attend an incident.

The service was followed by another ceremony to pay respects to Glenn Goodman, the policeman killed by the IRA in 1992.

In Selby, a service in Selby Abbey was followed by a march through town, with local organisations and army cadets followed in convoy by some 300 motorcyclists.

In Upper Poppleton, a wreath-laying ceremony occurred at the Green. The chairmen of Upper and Nether Poppleton Parish Councils, Councillors Stuart Robson and Glen Bradley, conducted the ceremony.

In Elvington, nine British veterans of the D-Day invasion were honoured at the annual commemoration at the Yorkshire Air Museum. Francois Hollande authorised the Légion d’Honneur – France’s highest decoration – to be awarded to those who helped free Europe and liberate France during World War II.

The medals were awarded to the veterans by Colonel Patrice Morand, the French Air Attaché to the United Kingdom.

To view our gallery of Remembrance pictures go to: http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/pics/galleries/remembrance_day_2015/