YOUNG and old stood shoulder to shoulder on Sunday as the country united to remember the men and women who lost their lives while serving their country.

Hundreds turned out at services in Preston and South Ribble where veterans from the two world wars and other conflicts marched in parade with serving members of the armed services and various youth organisations.

It was also a time to remember those who died in the September 11 terrorist attack in New York and our servicemen and women currently working alongside allied forces around the world.

Preston's mayor, councillor Alan Hackett, and mayoress, his wife Joan, led a parade from the covered market to the Cenotaph where the vicar of Preston, Rev Canon Martyn Griffiths led the ecumenical service of remembrance. The mayor's chaplain, sister Myrtle Poxon and the Rt Rev Monsignor Peter Verity, representing the Roman Catholic Church, were also present.

Old soldiers, wearing their medals with pride, gripped poppy wreathes and marched past the crowds -- some too young to understand the horrors of war -- who applauded the veterans in honour.

Then, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the town stood still while people across the country bowed their heads for a two minute silence to remember the war dead. The Lancastrian Brigade Band and Corps of Drums sounded the Last Post.

Similar services took place in Leyland and across the area including Lostock Hall, where South Ribble mayor Norman Crossley and his wife and mayoress Maureen, put down wreathes at the Tardy Gate Cenotaph alongside members of the Royal British Legion and others wishing to pay their respects.