KEIGHLEY-district joined the nation in remembrance today.

Young and old stood shoulder-to-shoulder in tribute to those who gave their lives in both world wars and other conflicts.

Services and ceremonies were held in Keighley and at other towns and villages across the area.

A parade, headed by City of York Pipe Band, made its way to Keighley Shared Church.

Among those taking part were veterans, civic representatives, cadet groups, the Scout and Guide movements, schools, the St John Ambulance and organisations from the town.

The church was packed for the remembrance service – led by the Rev Ruth Crompton, team rector the Rev Mike Cansdale and town chaplain the Rev Dr Jonathan Pritchard.

Dignitaries, ex-service personnel and uniformed groups were joined by many ordinary members of the public to share in the commemoration.

Guests included Keighley MP John Grogan, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Doreen Lee, town mayor Councillor Mohammed Nazam, district and town councillors and senior police and fire service officers.

The Rev Cansdale gave the welcome.

In the introduction, the congregation was told: "We meet in the presence of God to remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives have been taken from them in wars and conflicts past and present, to commit ourselves to work in penitence and faith for reconciliation between the nations that all people may live together in freedom, justice and peace, and to pray for all who continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and war."

The service included a reading, and Cllr Nazam spoke about events during 1917.

A collection was taken, part of which will be donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Muslim and Sikh prayers and biddings for peace were led by town councillor Amjid Ahmed and Baldev Singh.

After the service, the parade reformed and headed to Town Hall Square where hundreds of people gathered.

The Last Post was played and the two-minute silence impeccably observed.

Wreaths were laid and the names read out of the 400-plus Keighley soldiers who gave their lives in 1917.

At Silsden, crowds turned out in force for a ceremony at the memorial gardens.

Regimental wreaths were among more than 30 laid at the war memorial.

The town's Legion chairman and parade commander, Jean Bower, said it was "heartening" that the attendance increased every year.