THOUSANDS packed into Victoria Square as St Helens remembered the fallen today.

After a morning of rain, the weather eased ahead of the service at 10.40am, however most of the ceremony unfolded under dark skies near the town centre's war memorial.

The crowds for the annual service seem to grow year on year and, such was the depth of people, many were left straining for a view of the event and struggling to hear on the PA system as a service was led by Reverend David Eastwood and Reverend Deacon Paul Caldwell.

They led prayers to the fallen from wars around the globe and for those still with us who bear the mental and physical scars of conflicts.

Reverend Deacon Caldwell said: "As on this day we look back and remember with gratitude those who died in time of war, let us also look around and remember with compassion those who still suffer as the result of war."

The roll of drums was followed by the Last Post before a two minute silence and words commemoration by Trevor Howard, of the Royal Naval Association.

He said: "They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.

"Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning.

"We will remember them."

Ex-Serviceman Lawrence Powers, of the Burma Star Association, delivered the Kohima Epitaph.

Soldiers past and present stood alongside members of the St Helens community, young faces from cubs and scouts, firefighters, councillors and dignitaries as Cadet Corporal Curran read a poem titled the Poppy and crowds sang the hymn O God our Help in Ages Past.

Charlotte Welsby-Riley then sang Be Not Afraid and Valley Brass Band and Haydock Male Voice Choir united for the National Anthem.

The Mayor of St Helens, Steve Glover started the laying of wreaths and planting of the crosses before the silence was broken as the March Past of the Organisations was greeted with warm applause by the crowds.