Parade and services held in St Neots on Remembrance Sunday.

Crowds of people lined the streets of St Neots on Sunday in what has been described as the largest gathering on record for the town for a Remembrance Day parade.

The parade was led by 2,500 air cadets and included local dignitaries and members of scout, girl guide, brownies and cubs groups.

Services were held at St Mary’s Parish Church, Eynesbury Parish Church and St Mary’s Church in Eaton Socon and wreaths and poppy displays were laid at the St Neots and Eaton Socon war memorials and the town’s Polish war memorial.

A service was also held at the Polish war memorial to pay tribute to the 25 personnel who died in World War Two. Members of the 2500 air cadets placed a cross at each grave. Representatives from the Polish town of Skwaroskvy attended the service.

The Eaton Socon Branch of The Royal British Legion organised a parade with 1940’s vehicles from re-enactment group Foxhole 44 including a 1943 Matchless Motorcycle, two 1944 Willys Jeeps and a 1944 GMC Truck. The St Neots Air Force Cadets Band played as the parade marched up to St Mary’s Church for a remembrance service. Hundreds of people turned out to show their respect and a crescendo of World War 1 trench whistles were blown in recognition of the lives that were lost at the Battle of the Somme.

“The Eaton Branch of The Royal British Legion would like to thank everyone for their support and generosity during the Poppy Appeal,” said Michelle Allison, honorary poppy appeal organiser for the Eaton Socon Royal British Legion.

St Neots mayor Councillor Derek Giles and mayoress Sandie Giles took part in the parade and attended services in St Neots and Eaton Socon.

Cllr Giles said: “I was extremely humbled at the huge turnout by our towns folks and especially the many youth groups and their volunteer leaders. Special thanks must go to the Royal British Legion for all the work that they do to organise these events to help disabled service personal .”