MORE than 1400 Cotswold School students and teachers fell silent to mark Armistice Day on Wednesday as they gathered on the school field for a two minutes' silence at 11am.

Drama students read Binyon's famous verse from 'For the Fallen' and called the names from Bourton's Roll of Honour. The Last Post was played by sixth former, Peter Townsend. The event was lead by head of history, Ben Edwards.

Principal Will Morgan said: "The act of remembrance is vital for each of us as individuals but also as a community. In the two minutes of silence, each of us, no matter what age, has the opportunity to stop and consider the commitment, suffering and sacrifice others have made for our safety and freedom. As a community we have a shared responsibility to ensure those men and women are never forgotten."

Swell Primary School's Year 6 children joined townsfolk and dignitaries in the square, in Stow, for a short service with the remainder of the school walking to the village war memorial for a short service laying the school poppy wreath. The children also placed a wooden cross for each of the eleven service men commemorated on the memorial. They had also been selling poppies in school and learning of the significance of the date.

A large contingent of Air Cadets from 136 Chipping Norton, along with children from the Holy Trinity Primary School, attended the town's service led by the Royal British Legion. Town mayor Councillor Mike Tysoe laid a wreath along with representatives of the RBL women's section, the Glider Pilots' Association, the Masons and the county council. This year 130 crosses were laid for each name on the war memorial and for 24 men not included. Prayers were said by Reverend James Kennedy.