Armed Forces Day and the centenary of the outbreak of World War One were both commemorated in a moving service in Sidmouth last Saturday.

A ‘tremendous’ turnout from across Sidmouth’s past and present-serving community – and families – paraded to a drum head service on the Ham. Sidmouth Town Band led the way, followed by parade marshals, Royal British Legion (RBL) standard bearers and veterans.

The Reverend Philip Bourne gave the service for the first time and Sidmouth RBL chairman Dave O’Connor praised the ‘excellent job’ he did.

Town council chairman John Hollick gave a reading, then Sidmouth College students took to the stage. Lauren Brewster and Thomas Varley read their moving poems about the war, after winning a competition at the school.

“It went extremely well – in the nine years I’ve been the chairman it’s been the best one,” said Dave. “There was a tremendous amount of people.”

He said the army cadets’ casualty evacuation drill was the most professional he had ever seen, and also praised the air training corps.

He thanked Sidmouth Town Council, the chamber of commerce, Bradfords, Vinnicombe’s, Sidmouth Garden Centre, the scouts and guides for all helping out.