A HUGE congregation packed out York Minster this morning, which marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with a special service of thanksgiving and commemoration.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, preached at the service, which preceded the annual parade through York for the Service of Remembrance in the City Memorial Gardens.

The two services marked the culmination of a six-week period of reflection and commemoration in York for those who served during the conflict.

Hope for the world’s despair, a hymn by Cambridge writer Ally Barrett was sung for the first time today at both the Minster’s and St Paul’s Cathedral’s services.

Following the Minster service, the Archbishop of York, the Acting Dean of York, The Revd Canon Peter Moger, members of the Civic Party and representatives from the military and police took part in a procession to the City Memorial Gardens to join the Royal British Legion for the annual Service of Remembrance.