YORK fell silent at 11am today to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War and to remember the city's fallen heroes.

Despite the chilly showers this morning, thousands of people lined the streets for the annual parade through York, which started at Clifford's Tower, and for a procession from York Minster, with both assembling at the City Memorial Gardens, where the Service of Remembrance was held.

The parade included serving military personnel and regiments, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire fire service, scouts and guides, while the procession featured the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, members of the City of York Civic Party and representatives from the military.

Military veterans - including veterans of D-Day - took part in the parade, with 150 starting from Stonegate where they formed up for the parade. On the return march the numbers increased to 170.

The procession took place after a special service of thanksgiving and commemoration at York Minster.

At the City Memorial Gardens, a huge crowd watched as a gun was fired to mark the start and end of a two-minute silence, followed by The Last Post.

The final names from the King’s Book of York Heroes were then read out by The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Keith Orrell.

Nearly 1,500 names included in the book, which is the city’s memorial to the York men and women who lost their lives through the First World War, have been read out at locations across the city between October 3 and today as part of the city’s commemorations – York Remembers: Lifting the Shadow of the First World War.

Wreaths were laid by Cllr Orrell, the Archbishop of York, the Royal British Legion, civic dignitaries and others.

Following the Service of Remembrance, the parade marched back to Clifford's Tower.

Normandy veteran John Graham, 97, from York, attended the Service of Remembrance and said: "It's a good job we do remember them.

"There has been a very good turnout. The service seems to get more people each year."

Clive Phoenix, 68, from Haxby, who was a solider for 28 years, was also at the service. He added: "I am amazed by the crowds that have turned out today.

"I am here every year. There's definitely an atmosphere. You can feel the presence of those who have lost their lives in the conflicts."

Today's centenary commemorations in York got underway at 6am, when Piper Higgins played Battle’s O’er on the steps of Mansion House, escorted by Cllr Orrell.