A SOMBRE atmosphere fell on towns and villages in mid Essex as the country came together to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.

Services took place in Braintree, Witham and surrounding villages as onlookers came in their thousands to pay their respects to the fallen.

In Braintree, the parade assembled in front of the war memorial in the Public Gardens where a short service was held, including the laying of wreaths.

Braintree and Witham Times: Council chairman Andrew Hensman lays a wreath in the Braintree and Bocking Public GardensCouncil chairman Andrew Hensman lays a wreath in the Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens (Image: N/A)

The salute was taken on the steps of Causeway House as the parade proceeded to St Michael’s Church for a Service of Remembrance.

Braintree Council chairman Andrew Hensman said: "This Remembrance Day is a particularly poignant occasion, being the first under the rule of King Charles III, following the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II.

"Please remember everyone who has served our country - our Armed Forces choose to protect us.

"Not everyone wears a poppy. I wear mine with pride because of what the simple red flower signifies.

"It shows whilst I served during peacetime, I realise others continue to serve in order for me to live my life. It shows I care.

"Not everyone makes it back - my close friend was killed in Iraq."

Braintree and Witham Times: Lance Corporal Aidan Young (Picture: Fay Young)Lance Corporal Aidan Young (Picture: Fay Young) (Image: Fay Young)

Braintree and Witham Times: Cadets from the Braintree Air Cadet Force (Picture: Fay Young)Cadets from the Braintree Air Cadet Force (Picture: Fay Young) (Image: Fay Young)

There were also events in Witham attended by about 2,000 residents, representatives from the Armed Forces and the emergency services. 

The parade began by the roundabout at the top of The Avenue and proceeded through Collingwood Road to Newland Street, before ending in front of the war memorial.

Braintree and Witham Times: Bagpipers march in Witham (Picture: Stuart Gulleford)Bagpipers march in Witham (Picture: Stuart Gulleford) (Image: Stuart Gulleford)

Braintree and Witham Times: Young and old generations take part in the Remembrance ceremony in Witham (Picture: Stuart Gulleford)Young and old generations take part in the Remembrance ceremony in Witham (Picture: Stuart Gulleford) (Image: Stuart Gulleford)

Mid Essex MPs also took time to pay their respects.

James Cleverly was at the service at the Cenotaph, in Whitehall, London, before travelling to Braintree to be a part of the service at St Michael's Church.

Braintree and Witham Times: James Cleverly talks at St Michael's Church (Picture: Fay Young)James Cleverly talks at St Michael's Church (Picture: Fay Young) (Image: Fay Young)

Witham MP Priti Patel joined the Remembrance parade in the town.

Braintree and Witham Times: Witham MP Priti Patel lays a wreath for Remembrance Sunday (Picture: Stuart Gulleford)Witham MP Priti Patel lays a wreath for Remembrance Sunday (Picture: Stuart Gulleford) (Image: Stuart Gulleford)

Ms Patel said: “It is always an honour for me to take part in the ceremonies in Witham on Remembrance Sunday. 

“It is so very important to remember the immense sacrifices that members of our Armed Forces have made for us over the years in conflicts all around the world.

“In many cases, they paid the ultimate price, and we should never forget them or the sacrifices they and their families made.”