Wreaths of red poppies and rows of bowed heads were symbols of respect at a Remembrance Service at Deal & Walmer Victory Hospital, today.

Crowds gathered from 10.30am around the war memorial in London Road, to remember the men and women who have lost their lives while representing their country in conflict.

Those in attendance included members of Deal Town Council, the Royal British Legion Downs Branch and Deal and Walmer Scouts groups.

The touching service was led by Rev John Lines who spoke about his own experience of not knowing his father - a soldier - until he was nine, “because of a man named Adolf.”

The younger generation were very much a part of the service, with 1st Deal and Walmer Scout Joe Finch, seven, taking the role of a standard bearer and young Samuel Johnson from the Snowdown Colliery Band playing the last post.

A two minute silence was held by all, before wreaths were placed down at the foot of the memorial.

Deal resident Bert Curling was among those to lay a wreath. Mr Curling is well-known in the town having sold poppies, from his regular spot outside M&S in the High Street, for the past 46 years. He has revealed that this will be his last year of doing it due to his health.

Mayor of Deal Adrian Friend, who read a lesson on the Book of Micah, said: “It was a wonderful service. We have got to remember that if it wasn’t for these men and women, we wouldn’t be here today. We must never forget them.

“When you think of what some of their parents and families have been through, I find services like these very touching.

“It’s nice to see such a wonderful turn out, especially the youngsters. They all looked very smart.

“We’re getting more and more each year.”

Services were also held in Walmer, Sandwich and Dover.

On Armistice Day (Wednesday), there will be a service at the Cross of Sacrifice at Hamilton Road Cemetery. Assemble at 10.30am.

There will also be an act of Remembrance at St Saviour’s Church, The Strand, Walmer, at 11am.