COMMUNITIES across Torfaen came together to pay their respects to those who served their country on Remembrance Sunday.

Services and parades were held in Pontypool, Cwmbran and Blaenavon.

This year’s event was an extra special landmark, as the Royal British Legion celebrated its 100th anniversary.

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Torfaen council leader Cllr Anthony Hunt attended the Remembrance Sunday service at St Hilda’s Church, followed by the parade and service at the Memorial Gates in Pontypool.

“The parade was as well-attended as ever,” he said. “Thank you to the council staff and town and community councils who made the extra effort to make sure the parades could take place across the Borough again this year.

“I’d also like to thank the Royal British Legion and all the Veterans Groups involved, and give a special mention to Pontypool veteran Darren Jones, whose hand-made copper poppy I wore at the parade, alongside the RAF Regiment tie I wore on behalf of my Grandad and those who served with him.

“We will remember them.”

Councillor Stephen Brooks, chairman of Cwmbran Community Council, took part in the parade in Cwmbran and laid a wreath at the memorial in Cwmbran Park.

Cllr Brooks also unveiled a wreath at the Council House at 11am on November 11.

He said: “I am pleased to record my appreciation of the work of so many groups, individuals and volunteers who helped mark these important occasions so successfully in Cwmbran.”

Free Press Series: Mayor of Blaenavon Cllr Liam Cowles and Nick Thomas-Symonds MP at Blaenavon's Remembrance Day service. Picture: Naz Goddard.Mayor of Blaenavon Cllr Liam Cowles and Nick Thomas-Symonds MP at Blaenavon's Remembrance Day service. Picture: Naz Goddard.

And mayor of Blaenavon Cllr Liam Cowles said: “The Town Council was relieved and delighted to be able to support the Royal British Legion in returning to a full parade this Remembrance Day, after a Covid-restricted one last year.

“Our residents and those of neighbouring communities showed how keen they were to attend this popular event with a huge turnout, and more than 100 local groups, businesses, clubs and individuals laying wreathes of remembrance.

“I felt extremely proud and privileged to be able to lay a wreath on behalf of the Town Council, and to by Mayor of a town whose people never fail to show their respect for sacrifices made during war.

“Thanks also to Torfaen County Borough Council for meeting the costs of employing a private traffic management company for the occasion.”