Thousands of people across Dorset turned out for Remembrance services.

Parades and services were held across the county from Lyme Regis to Bovington and beyond.

Current and former servicemen and women, members of the clergy, cadets, scouts, brownies and members of the public braved the rain to pay their respects and uphold a promise made 100 years ago that those who died on battlefields will not be forgotten.

At 11am Dorset fell silent to remember those who gave their lives.

2018 is a particularly poignant year for Remembrance, as it marks 100 years since the end of the First World War.

On Portland the scale of the conflict was put into stark context when Reverend Peter Brazier, a Methodist Minister who has just joined the isle clergy, said in the 40 minutes between the last men ‘going over the top’ and the Armistice being signed, the number of men who were injured or killed was equivalent to Portland’s entire population.

Hundreds braved the wind and rain to watch the parade up Easton Lane, followed by a service led by the Reverend Tim Gomm at the war memorial at the Heights.

Renton O’Malley, who used to serve in the Fleet Air Arm said he comes to the service every year.

“It’s always special on Portland,” he added.

In Dorchester, tributes were paid to the 89 men from the county town who died in the First World War.

An armed forces parade was led through the streets before the service at the war memorial which was introduced by Canon Thomas Woodhouse, Team Rector for Dorchester.

Tom Bidwell, a student at Thomas Hardye School, played the Last Post before crowds fell silent to remember those who lost their life in conflict. Wreaths were laid at the foot of the cenotaph and hymns were sung.

Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr David Taylor, said: “Today has been fantastic. It’s an honour to be the mayor of Dorchester for this centenary year. I want to thank everyone concerned with the superb service delivered by our men, women and children.”

A further service was held at the memorial in St George’s cemetery, Fordington, to remember German soldiers who died in the Dorchester prisoner of war camp.

The parade and service in Weymouth was said to be a ‘record year’ in terms of turnout, with thousands lining the Esplanade.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax, who attended the Weymouth event, said: “It was very touching, very poignant.

“It’s refreshing that so many people do turn out. It helps to unify the country and reminds us that we live in a very special place. Many people have died to give us our freedom, and we must cherish that. That is what we are remembering.”