IN towns and villages throughout the Forest and along the Wye Valley folk stopped to remember their heroes on Remembrance Sunday.

Wreaths were laid in honour of the dead of two world wars and, perhaps yet more poignantly, for those who lost their lives in more recent conflicts, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Nationally, its was reported, despite atrocious weather there was increased prescence at parades abnd services and this was reflected locally.

Typical of many ceremonies, St.Mary's Parish Church in Lydney was crowded for the Service of Remembrance, which was conducted by the Rev Stephen Ware, a retired senior Chaplain with the R.A.F., who also gave a thought provoking address.  Colours were presented at the altar by ex-service and youth organisations.  Lessons were read by the Mayor, Cllr Terry Glastonbury, and the president of the Lydney Branch of the Royal British Legion, Col Donald Dryhurst. 

Prior to the service a parade of some two hundred had made its way to the nearby War Memorial, led by the red jacketed Quedgeley Corps of Drums, to lay wreaths.