A SOMBRE atmosphere fell on towns and villages in mid Essex as the country came together to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.

Services took place in Braintree, Halstead and the surrounding areas as onlookers came in their thousands to pay their respects to the fallen.

In Braintree, the Remembrance Parade began in the Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens with the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial.

Braintree and Witham Times: PAYING RESPECTS: A Remembrance service is held in BraintreePAYING RESPECTS: A Remembrance service is held in Braintree (Image: N/A)

Following this, it made its way along the street to St Michael's Church for the Service of Remembrance.

Hundreds of residents attended to show their respects.

Braintree and Witham Times: LEAD THE WAY: Braintree's Remembrance paradeLEAD THE WAY: Braintree's Remembrance parade (Image: N/A)

Braintree Council chairman Diana Garrod said: “Remembrance is one of the most important days of the year.

“We gather to remember the acts of selflessness, service and sacrifice of all those who defended our freedoms and protected our way of life, both in the UK and overseas.

“This weekend we stand in peace and safety, we remember all those who have served, fought and fallen.

“With our heartfelt gratitude, we pledge to never forget the cost of our freedom and sacrifices that were made for us.”

Braintree and Witham Times: BIG GATHERING: Hundreds of people paying their respects in BraintreeBIG GATHERING: Hundreds of people paying their respects in Braintree (Image: N/A)

In Halstead, a poignant event also took place to mark the day.

The Halstead branch of the Royal British Legion once again organised its Remembrance Day parade.

Braintree and Witham Times: TAKE A SALUTE: Youngsters paying their respects in HalsteadTAKE A SALUTE: Youngsters paying their respects in Halstead (Image: Tony Sale)

The weekend began with a short service at 11am outside the Post Office in the High Street, to remember Armistice Day on Saturday.

Braintree and Witham Times: ON SONG: The Last Post in Halstead's public gardensON SONG: The Last Post in Halstead's public gardens (Image: Tony Sale)

The service was held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month - the time of the Great War Armistice of 1918.

Braintree and Witham Times: SOMBRE ATMOPSHERE: Crowds and dignitaries during a service outside St Andrew’s Church in HalsteadSOMBRE ATMOPSHERE: Crowds and dignitaries during a service outside St Andrew’s Church in Halstead (Image: Tony Sale)

The following day, the group once held its annual parade through the town.

Braintree and Witham Times: PAYING RESPECTS: Halstead councillor Andrew Munday laying a wreathPAYING RESPECTS: Halstead councillor Andrew Munday laying a wreath (Image: Tony Sale)

Beginning in Halstead Public Gardens, the procession headed up the High Street to St Andrew’s Church, where a service was held.

One story shared in Halstead was from a proud mum, who saw both her children take part in their first Remembrance parade together.

Braintree and Witham Times: SPECIAL MOMENT: Sgt. Grace Farrell with brother Private Brodie FarrellSPECIAL MOMENT: Sgt. Grace Farrell with brother Private Brodie Farrell (Image: Tony Sale)

Private Brodie Farrell, 24 of the Royal Anglian regiment and Sgt. Grace Farrell, 15, of 1163 Air Cadets aged 15, both from Halstead, were on hand to share their respects for the occasion.