HUNDREDS of people lined all sides of Magor Square for Remembrance Sunday to remember and honour villagers who served, or died while serving, in conflict.

Such sacrifice was not lost on the younger generation, with members of local Rainbows, Guides, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts acting as standard bearers.

Lampposts and buildings in the square had been decorated with large poppies, the handiwork of of Julie Wilson of the Royal British Legion, in the lead-up to the event.

Many in attendance were also wearing one of thousands of crocheted poppies made by Mrs Wilson as part of the Legion's Poppy Appeal.

Representatives from around 20 local community groups and both the town and county council lay individual wreaths at the village’s war memorial.

Despite the inclement weather the monument stood against out against it having been cleaned, repaired and its railings given a new lick of paint last month.

The service was led by Rev. Jeremy Harris and Baptist minister Linda Crebbin, and was attended by Christopher Freegard OBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gwent.

After thanking the crowds for attending on behalf of the Queen, he said: “I am really heartened to see so many people here to today. There are many more than I think we would have seen 20 years ago.

“We rely as always on the courage and professionalism of our forces in order to protect our freedom and way of life.”

Peter Wilson, chair of the Caldicot and District branch of the Royal British Legion, revealed that the branch had raised an impressive £39,000.

He said: “This is an amazing total for a small rural area and we must give our thanks for the support and contributions.”

The Serenata Ladies Choir performed at the end of the service before the crowds headed to services at either St Mary’s Church or Magor Baptist Church.