Fallen comrades remembered

Poppy wreaths were laid at Leicester's Cenotaph

People across the East Midlands have been remembering those who died in wars in the 20th Century.

Memorial services were held in Derby and Lincoln Cathedrals while hundreds gathered at the Cenotaph in Leicester to pay their respects.

Nottingham's service was moved, for only the second time in its history, to Old Market Square because the original site at Victoria Embankment was too unstable.

Marches also took place in many towns and villages across the region although tributes in Loughborough were marred by vandals who ripped up a display of Remembrance crosses.

Veterans gathered to remember comrades

Dozens of wooden crosses had been laid out near the Corillian in Queen's Park by the Royal British Legion and local people.

But during Saturday night vandals ripped the crosses up and threw them around the park.

Residents and members of the legion, who restored the display on Sunday morning, said they were upset by the vandalism.

At Leicester's Cenotaph in Victoria Park members of the armed forces, veterans, dignitaries and families paid tribute to those who died.

'Very poignant'

A cannon shot was fired to begin a two-minute silence to remember the dead while another shot ended the silence.

Afterwards, Tony Stevens, who served in the Royal Signallers during the Korean War in 1951, said it was a poignant time.

"We remember the time we spent out there, our comrades and friendships we made.

"We also remember those who didn't return.

"It is very poignant and shows how stupid wars are.

"Nobody wins and everybody is a loser."