Dereham town centre came to a standstill on the busiest day of the week as hundreds of people marked Armistice Day today.

Police stopped traffic and the hustle and bustle of market day gave way to silence to remember those who gave their lives in conflicts and who are still serving in modern day wars.

A car alarm unfortunately going off was the only interruption as heads were bowed around the War Memorial.

Dereham and District Royal British Legion branch welfare officer Rowland Hall - who was president for 18 years - said: 'It is very gratifying to see so many people at the service today, especially as it is our 90th anniversary. The turnout seems to get bigger and bigger each year.'

Dereham rector the Rev Sally Theakston led the short service and standards from ex-service associations were lowered and then raised at the war memorial as the Last Post was played.

An even bigger turnout is expected on Sunday as the Remembrance Sunday parade is held.

It will start at 10.45am at the Cherry Tree car park and the parade will go to the war memorial for the laying of about 30 wreaths and the two minutes' silence.

The parade will then continue through the Market Place and down Church Street to the parish church for the Remembrance Day service.

*A concert by the Band of the Parachute Regiment is being held on Sunday December 4, 8pm, at Dereham Memorial Hall following the official opening.

It is being organised by the Dereham and District Branch of the Royal British Legion in conjunction with Dereham Town Council and the Dereham Times.

Tickets are �15 and can be bought from the EDP office in the High Street, Dereham.

All the proceeds will go towards the Royal British Legion personnel recovery centre in Colchester and tickets can only be paid for by cash or cheque.