AS SILENCE fell to mark Armistice Day, children too paid their respects.More than 300 children from four Ipswich primary schools attended a poignant service at the Old Ipswich Borough Cemetery.

AS SILENCE fell to mark Armistice Day, children too paid their respects.

More than 300 children from four Ipswich primary schools attended a poignant service at the Old Ipswich Borough Cemetery.

As autumnal winds swept through the World War I cemetery, two minutes silence was observed to honour those who those injured or killed in war.

Each child was given a wooden cross to place on the graves of the 131 World War I soldiers laid to rest in the cemetery.

And many felt privileged to have been able to attend this Armistice Day service, now in its seventh year.

Eleven-year-old Melanie Scrutton, of Sidegate Lane Primary, said: "This is the second year that I have been and I'm feel lucky to be her two years running.

"I think it's important to be here to remember the people who fought for the country."

Though happy to attend the event the children appreciated the significance of the situation.

Ravi Mistry, 10, said: "It's important to be here to remember the people who died in the war and sacrificed their lives. I feel very sombre and sad today but also happy to be here."

While a service took place in the adjacent World War II Cemetery, Reverend Tom Lowe led the children in prayer and blessing, each remained silent throughout the ten minute service.

Peter Thompson, secretary of the Ipswich branch of the Royal British Legion said: "I think that this is the best service there is, it means so much to get these children involved and for them to carry on to remember.

"They were all very well behaved."

James Hodder, 10, also of Sidegate Primary school said: "I'm sad because millions of people died in the war, they were very loyal and very brave."

Standard Bearers from the Royal Naval Association, Royal British Legion and Royal Marines marked the last post with the bowing of their flags.

And Deputy Mayor, Richard Risbrow was also at hand to pay his respects.

The other schools which attended the service were Springfield Junior School, St Helens County Primary School and Murrayfield Primary School.

Meanwhile, in Stowmarket, traffic was halted in Ipswich Street today as around 250 people gathered to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

A short prayer was read out by the Reverend Michael Eden of St Peter and St Mary Parish Church in the town following the two minute silence.

Flags of the Stowmarket branches of The Suffolk Regiment, The Royal Air Forces Association and the Royal British Legion were hoisted to represent some of those who have been killed over the years.