Darwen pay their respects at Armistice Day remembrance event

Two maroon rockets were fired from the roof of the town hall building in Darwen at the beginning of a two minute silence, which took place at 11am, marking Armistice Day.

There was also a short service held outside the town hall, which included the Lord's Prayer being read by The Reverend Alison Mitchell from St. Peter's Church, Darwen.

This was followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Boer War Memorial at Belgrave Square, Darwen. 

Prominent figures attended the service, such as the mayor and mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr Parwaiz Akhtar, his wife Shagufta and council leader, Cllr Phil Riley.

Cllr Riley said: "It’s important that we join together on Remembrance Day to pay our respects to those who have served in the armed forces.

"It’s a time to reflect and remember those who have put their lives at risk and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and these remembrance events being held in the borough will give our communities the chance to come together and mark the occasion."

People all over the town came to pay their respects, with people stopping to watch and listen above the railings next to Darwen Heritage Centre.

Attendees also included Lancashire Police, councillors, scouts and guides, Sir Jake Berry MP and the Royal British Legion.

They each laid a poppy wreath to show their respect, bowing as they placed them on the steps.

The wreath of Sir Jake Berry MP and the Darwen Labour party said: "Lest we forget."

Darwen Royal British Legion's wreath noted: "In memory of all them that served and lost their lives. R.I.P."

Cllr Akhtar's wreath said: "To the memory of the men and women from Blackburn and Darwen who gave our lives for their country."