Youngsters gather across region to mark Armistice Day

Downham Market Academy students have been working with the town council to rejuvenate the Memorial Gardens in the town. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

They joined veterans and members of the public at commemorations and held their own school events.

At Dereham, pupils from Dereham Church Infant and Nursery School laid wreaths at the town's war memorial.

President of the Dereham branch of the Royal British Legion, Dennis O'Callaghan, said: 'It's great to see so many people here and it's particularly good to see younger people turning out to pay their respects.

'The children were excellent and very well behaved and it's really good to see them involved.

'It's important for them to take part and to help ensure these events can continue long into the future.'

Children, staff and families from the partner schools of Anthony Curton Primary, Walpole St Peter, and Tilney All Saints Primary, held simultaneous services to remember and honour those who died, or whose lives were devastated.

Children from Anthony Curton read prayers and poems and laid three wreaths, made by the children, at the memorial in the churchyard of Walpole St Peter Church.

Anne Senior, head of both schools, said: 'It is extremely important that our young children understand the impact that war has on the lives of everyone – not only the soldiers who see action.

'We are so proud at the genuine empathy our children displayed, and the respect they demonstrated.'

In Lowestoft, a service was held on Royal Plain, and a ceremony was held at Southwold's war memorial at Bartholomew's Green, where veterans and children laid small wooden crosses as tribute to the fallen.

More than 100 people stood in remembrance at Thetford's Market Square Armistice Day service. A group of three and four-year-olds from Thetford's Play Days nursery were also there, and youngsters Harvey Dole, Lottie Catchpole and Emily Nibble laid a wreath along with nursery deputy manager Jodie Smith.

An Armistice Day service was held at the former RAF Coltishall memorial garden at Badersfield. Children from the former RAF school, now The Douglas Bader School, laid poppies they had made as part of a project on the Battle of Britain.

Poppies were worn with pride as people gathered to commemorate Armistice Day in Cromer.

As the last post played, standards were lowered before a two minute silence marking the moment the guns fell quiet at the end of the First World War.

Among those paying tribute was 99-year-old George Goram, who served during the Second World War.

The newly revamped memorial gardens in Downham Market were officially opened on Armistice Day.

Youngsters from Downham Market Academy carried out the project, from design and digging to planting and painting.

The gardens were officially opened by Downham Mayor Marion Ross, who said: 'It was their vision to have the gardens ready for Armistice Day, which is a fitting occasion for them to be opened.'

Students from Springwood High School in King's Lynn held their own Remembrance Day service alongside representatives from RAF Marham and the British Legion.