BRADFORD fell silent as hundreds of people braved the cold weather to pay their respects to fallen armed servicemen and women at moving Remembrance Sunday services across the district today. 

War veterans and representatives of all the armed forces joined community and political leaders, heads of emergency services, and family members of those who served their country to lay wreaths to mark the sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in conflict. 

There was civic representation and large crowds at 29 services across the district, including those in Bradford, Keighley, and Ilkley

At the cenotaph in Bradford, prayers were led by The Very Reverend Jerry Lepine, the Dean of Bradford, who praised those in attendance for a "terrific" turnout. 

"This year we have remembered the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the 70th commemoration of the end of the Second World War, and we continue to commemorate the centenary events of the First World War," he said. 

"Soldiers from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and faith traditions fought and died for this country, and we shall honour their memory. 

"The whole of creation bears the scars of war, so today, we remember with thanksgiving and sorrow, those whose lives have been given and taken away in two world wars and in other conflicts, past and present."

As the City Hall clock struck 11am, a lone bugle played The Last Post, followed by an impeccably-observed two-minute silence.  Prayers were also given by The Reverend Canon Paul Bilton, vicar of St Wilfrid's Church in Lidget Green, and Dr Rudi Leavor, chairman of the Bradford Synagogue, who delivered a reading from the book of the Prophet Isaiah. 

The Right Reverend Toby Howarth, The Bishop of Bradford, also addressed the crowd with prayers for those damaged by conflicts around the world.  "We pray for peace, acknowledging the sacrifices made by people of all faiths and none during both world wards and in many other conflicts," he said.  "We pray for those involved in conflict resolution and peace-making in armed conflicts around the world, and for our city and local leaders in our different communities."

After the crowd sung the National Anthem, the service concluded with the Lord-Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Councillor Joanne Dodds, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, and a representative of the Royal British Legion taking the salute at the parade march past in Centenary Square.