LEADEN skies and chilling wind did not deter the massive turn-out who paid their respects to the fallen when the annual Service of Remembrance was held at the war memorial in Victoria Square on Sunday.

The first of the Millennium, it was led by Eric Smith, president of the Free Church Council, the lesson was read by Canon Christopher Byworth, and prayers were offered by Canon John Pennington.

Sounding of the 'Last Post' was followed by a roll-of-drums, two minutes silence, and reveille, before reading of the words of commemoration and Kohima Epitaph by Michael McGann, of the British Legion.

Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Robinson laid a wreath, and she was followed by representatives of the various military and civic organisations before the parade, headed by York Street and Haydock Youth Bands, marched past the war memorial.

And it was a nostalgia-soaked occasion for long-serving parade marshal George Brooks, whose final salute it was before entering the the Royal Hospital to become a Chelsea Pensioner.

Now 'stood easy', all ranks mustered at the RNA club, Volunteer Street, where the consensus was that, together with the shorter service on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, St Helens had once again fully honoured those who made the supreme sacrifice.

Said Mr McGann: "On behalf of the British Legion I would like to thank all who helped swell the poppy appeal to what could be a record total, and also the local authority for their superb organisation of the event."