COMMUNITIES across West Dorset paid their respects to fallen heroes at the weekend.

Some very well-attended remembrance parades brought residents together across Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis.

In Bridport a parade made its way through the town from East Street, before an inspection from mayor Cllr Anne Rickard, a short ceremony at the war memorial and a remembrance service at St Mary’s Church.

Cllr Rickard also led anyone who did not want to attend the church service to an open reflection at Bucky Doo Square.

She said: “We had an excellent turnout, but not everyone wanted to go to the church service so I also held an alternative gathering.

“We had poetry readings, speeches and reflection, and we also played a recording of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ performed on the bells at Exeter Cathedral, which was quite special to hear.

“All in all it was a wonderful success – the whole town came together to pay its respects.”

Saturday saw two wreath-laying ceremonies in Lyme Regis, at the HMS Formidable memorial in the town’s cemetery and at the Polish war memorial in Anning Road.

There was also a two-minute silence at the war memorial in St George’s Square.

On Sunday the remembrance parade started at Langmoor Gardens, and was followed by a service at St Michael’s Church in Church Street.

The parade then reformed and marched to Cobb Square for address and dismissal.

Councillor Brian Larcombe from Lyme Regis Town Council said the huge turnout had done the council – and whole town – proud.

He said: “The church was absolutely packed – people were having to stand at the back as every seat had been taken.

“It was a nice dry day and we had representatives from the armed forces as well as cadet organisations and other groups.

“Members of the public were watching too – I can honestly say it was probably the longest and busiest parade, and best attended service that I can remember.”

In Beaminster there was a parade from the fire station to St Mary’s Church on Sunday, where a special commemorative service was held.

Beaminster Town Council chairman, Cllr Chris Turner said: “We have tended to do well with the weather on Remembrance Sunday in recent years and this year was no exception – it was a cold, crisp, sunny morning and a lot of people attended.

“We had representatives from the Brownies, Guides and other groups, and everything went very well indeed.”