VETERANS, civic dignitaries and members of the public gathered to pay their respects to the district's war dead at the Cenotaph in Bradford today.

As the City Hall clock struck 11am, a two minutes' silence was observed after a short service of remembrance led by the Dean of Bradford, the Very Reverend Jerry Lepine.

Among those in attendance at the poignant service were the Lord Mayor of Bradford Mike Gibbons, Bradford Council's interim chief executive Suzan Hemingway, and leader of the authority Councillor David Green.

Members of the local branch of the Royal British Legion, former servicemen, as well as pupils from schools including the city's All Saints Primary School and Rainbow Primary School, in Nelson Street, also gathered for the special Remembrance Day service.

The time, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marks the formal end of hostilities in World War One in 1918.

The Dean of Bradford led the prayers, saying: "We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives have been given and taken away in two world wars and in past conflicts and for those who have died recently in Iraq and Afghanistan and commend them to the mercy of God."

A number of wreaths and children's drawings were added to the growing mound around the Cenotaph near the Alhambra Theatre.