THOUGHTS turned to those who gave their lives at war as a festive commemorative service took place in Pershore.

Cadet units from Pershore and students from Pershore High School were joined by the Pershore & District Branch Royal British Legion and Women's Section, the Royal Naval Association and Pershore Town Council to lay poppy crosses on the 72 military graves in Pershore Cemetery.

Of the men buried in Pershore 64 were killed during the Second World War and include 41 Canadians. Many were stationed at nearby RAF Pershore and RAF Defford.

The further eight graves include people killed in the First World War.

The service was started by the late councillor John Smith alongside the Pershore Youth Fellowship back in 1945 when they went carol singing around the town to raise funds to buy the materials to make a wreath for every military grave in the cemetery.

It's now run by the Royal British Legion and sees members of the Cadet Forces brave the December elements to lay poppy crosses in remembrance.

This year pupils from Pershore High School also took part making it largest attended service for many years.

Wreaths were also laid on the Cross of Sacrifice by chairman of the Royal British Legion Women's Section, Stephanie Elphick, and honorary secretary Trudy Burge for the Royal Naval Association.

A Christmas wreath was also laid at the Stone in Pershore's Commemorative Garden in the Abbey Park, which is dedicated to all those from the town who have served their country in the armed forces.

For more information visit pershoremilitarygraves.webeden.co.uk.