People in Great Yarmouth have been honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War as the centenary of the end of the war approaches.

Eastern Daily Press: Naval personnel pass by St George's Park in Great Yarmouth in November 1958 during the Remembrance Day parade. Picture: ArchantNaval personnel pass by St George's Park in Great Yarmouth in November 1958 during the Remembrance Day parade. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

On Wednesday October 24, crowds gathered on Great Yarmouth's market square for the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal marking the start of more than two weeks of remembrance in the town.

The event also coincided with the unveiling of 10 aluminium 'Tommy' silhouette statues on benches in the market place.

These formed part of the national 'There But Not There' campaign in aid of forces and mental health charities.

The Poppy Shop has once again been located at Unit 7 of the 6-day market since Saturday, October 27 and is being run by members of the Great Yarmouth branch of the Royal British Legion.

Eastern Daily Press: Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Mary Coleman at the Poppy Appeal launch. Picture: Joseph NortonMayor of Great Yarmouth, Mary Coleman at the Poppy Appeal launch. Picture: Joseph Norton (Image: Archant)

We have joined forces with the Great Yarmouth Minster for our Fields of Remembrance campaign which has seen people pay their own personal tribute to those who fought and fell by buying and placing a wooden-backed poppy at the Minster.

On Wednesday, the Blessing of the Crosses ceremony took place at the Cenotaph in St George's Park with people in the town placing their crosses in the memorial area with the names of servicemen who lost their lives during the war written on them.

Remembrance Sunday will get underway with a lone bagpiper playing a stirring tribune outside of the Minster at 6am.

The borough's remembrance Sunday service will take place at the Cenotaph, starting at 10.50am with a two-minute silence at 11am. The public are also invited to attend a further service at 12.30pm at the Far East Prisoners of War Memorial, on Marine Parade.

Eastern Daily Press: The Blessing of the Crosses next to the memorial in St Georges Park. Picture: James BassThe Blessing of the Crosses next to the memorial in St Georges Park. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant)

Great Yarmouth Festival of Remembrance will be staged at the Hippodrome, at 4.30pm, organised by the borough council and local broadcaster Tony Mallion.

The poignant commemoration will feature live patriotic music, poems and readings, culminating in paper poppy petals floating down from the ceiling during a two-minute silence.

Tickets are priced at £10 per person and are available from the Hippodrome on 01493 844172.

Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Mary Coleman will light the beacon on the seafront at 7pm, followed by a fireworks display.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norfolk County British Legion remembrance rally at Gorleston in 1957. Picture: ArchantThe Norfolk County British Legion remembrance rally at Gorleston in 1957. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)