One of the largest crowds in recent years packed Sandy town centre on Sunday to pay their respects to fallen war heroes.

Hundreds of people gathered at the town's war memorial on Bedford Road to watch the town's Remembrance parade, which started from Swan Lane at 10.30am before a wreath laying ceremony at 11am.

Sandy Royal British Legion Member Betty Harrison said: "The number of people there was fantastic - four or five times more than the usual number.

"It was probably the best turnout I've ever seen and I've lived here for more than 20 years."

North East Beds MP Alistair Burt and Sandy Mayor Colin Osborne joined the town's residents to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Mrs Harrison added: "The number of young people there certainly showed that they have been affected by the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan - one young lad even had a teddy bear with its own poppy. The minute's silence was also very well observed by all."

The wreath laying was followed by a service of Remembrance at St Swithun's Church, after which the parade marched past the saluting base at Shannon Court in the High Street.