The city paid its respects to the Bradford servicemen and women who laid down their lives for their country at a Remembrance event tonight.

Hundreds of people filled St George’s Hall for the 66th Bradford Festival of Remembrance, held to honour the district’s fallen heroes.

Actor Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard in the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale, was once again special compere for the evening, which culminated in a rousing Parade of Standards, community singing, led by Claire McKay, and a Service of Remembrance. The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, introduced the event, which also featured a moving performance from the choir of St John’s Church of England Primary School, the winners of the 2011 Bradford and District Schools Choir Competition.

In his opening address Mr Chittell said: “This is a time to remember all those that have been called to make personal sacrifice in the service of the nation, including the ultimate sacrifice.”

Veterans from across the Bradford district attended the event, which featured a variety of local acts including the Sarah Packham Theatre School, the City of Bradford Brass Band and the 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron ATC Drum Section.

Jim Windle, secretary of the West Yorkshire branch of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association (REME), was a standard bearer at the event.

The 73-year-old, of Wibsey, who served as an armoured vehicle mechanic from 1956 until 1966, said: “I have lost a couple of mates here and there and various of our members have as well.

“Tonight gives us the chance to pay our respects to everybody who is gone, as well as meet a few friends I haven’t seen for years probably.”

Charles Lowndes, chairman of the Keighley branch of the Royal British Legion, served in Palestine between 1946 and 1948. He said: “I think tonight is important – it keeps us all together. You feel a bond with everyone else who has served.”