Wreathes of remembrance have been laid as Croydon held two services in honour of servicemen who gave their lives defending Britain.

Representatives from all three strands of the armed service, the fire brigade, police and Croydon British Legion gathered outside the town hall on Katharine Street at 11am on Friday to remember those who died in World War One and following conflicts as part of Armistice Day.

A full military parade, finishing in a service led by the Reverend Canon Colin Boswell at Fairfield Halls and wreath laying at the War Memorial on Katharine Street was held two days later on Remembrance Sunday.

Joining the parade were members of Territorial Army Unit 151, C Company Kent Sharpshooters Royal Yeomanry and B Company 4 Parachute Regiment.

Cadet forces and representatives of scout and guiding movements from across the borough were also present.

Following the service on Friday veterans of conflict dating from Korea in the 50s to Northern Ireland in the 90’s explained why celebrating Armistice Day, 93 years after the declaration of the end of World War One.

Michael Johnson, 39, served with the Royal Green Jackets in Northern Ireland between 1989 and 1992.

He said: “With a lot of people it is something that is in the family. My grandfather fought at the Somme so it is a very important moment for me. Serving you are doing a duty to your family, the country, to everyone and I think that is appreciated.”

Wally Filby, 71, served in the Royal Navy in the 50s and 60s.

He said: “You can see it is still important, especially with what is going on out in Afghanistan.”

Donald Bell, 80, who served with the Fleet Air Squadron, added: “You see the bodies coming back at the moment that has seen a strong swell of support for the armed service. It is relevant now as it was then.”