A Remembrance Sunday procession marched through Ipswich to pay tribute to those who fell serving their country.

After last year's service in Christchurch Park had to be scaled back due to Covid, this year the traditional parade and ceremony returned, with thousands paying tribute.

The parade, including members of the Army Air Corps from Wattisham Flying Station as well as veterans, civic leaders and cadets, set off from Elm Street to march to the park.

Apaches from Wattisham also flew overhead during the service, as part of their support of Remembrance events around the area.

The service in Christchurch Park was conducted by the Ven Rhiannon King, archdeacon of Ipswich.

Those attending were welcomed by John Downie, chair of Ipswich Royal British Legion, and St Margaret's Church Choir and Ipswich Choral Society sang at the service. Ipswich MP Tom Hunt was among those laying wreaths.

After the two-minute silence and laying of poppy wreaths, the mayor, Elizabeth Hughes, and the deputy lord lieutenant of Suffolk, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, took the salute at the March Past.

The crowds at the park today were not as large as in the past, due to the pandemic. But around 5,000 to 6,000 still went along to pay their respects at the service at the Cenotaph, organised by the Royal British Legion and Ipswich Borough Council.

Those attending were being asked to take extra care by maintaining a safe distance from others and wearing face coverings in crowded areas.

Ahead of the service, Ms Hughes said: “Last year, to protect the health of the most vulnerable in our community, including our older veterans, we had to limit attendees at the Remembrance Sunday service.

"This year, we are pleased to be able to commemorate in the traditional way by coming together in person to honour the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and thank veterans and those actively serving in our Armed Forces."

The Ipswich Reds buses, which are part of First Eastern Counties, tweeted: "At 11am today our drivers may pull over (where safe to do so) to observe the two-minute silence in Remembrance."

Poignant ceremonies were also held in Ipswich on Armistice Day, November 11.