WAR veterans gathered in the shadow of York Minster today to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in wartime.

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Irene Waudby, inspected standard bearers from the city's various veterans' associations, at the War Memorial in Duncombe Place. She also laid a wreath at the memorial.

The service, organised by the York branch of the Royal British Legion, was to dedicate a garden of remembrance which features rows of crosses planted in the ground, representing all the regiments who fought in the Second World War. Prayers and dedication were led by branch padre, the Rev David Porter, and an Act of Homage was given by Ted Griffiths, who is president of the York Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Hymns were sung and the York Railway Institute Golden Rail Band provided the music.

Mr Griffiths said: "The garden of remembrance is a place where the general public can leave tributes in memory of their relatives who gave their lives."

A Festival of Remembrance takes place at York Barbican Centre on Sunday at 7.30pm.

Updated: 13:17 Saturday, November 03, 2001