THOUSANDS of people paid their respects across Halesowen and Sandwell to the fallen during several commemorations honouring the country's war heroes.

On Friday's Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday there were parades in Halesowen, Cradley, Cradley Heath and Oldbury with the Boys Brigade, Scouts, Guides, Army, RAF and Sea Cadets all taking part.

The various services at churches and war memorials were well attended.

On Friday and on Sunday young and old stood in silence and remembered the sacrifices that servicemen and women had made throughout the centuries for their country.

Several pubs also got involved with The Fairfield offering free pints to servicemen and women, past and present at the pub on Sunday.

Chairman of Cradley Royal British Legion Norman Catton was delighted with the turnout for Remembrance Sunday at the cenotaph and St Peter's Church.

He said: "It went extremely well, we had more people on parade than for ten years and we had over 700 people turn out in the rain at the cenotaph.

"There were too many people to fit in St Peter's Church which is unusual itself, so I was gobsmacked how much support we keep on getting on Remembrance Sunday.

"We had local councillors there from different parties and Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris also attended."

He added: "And on Friday we were at Tesco Cradley Heath for 11am and they turned all the tills off, after we played the Last Post and dipped our flags you could have heard a pin drop.

"Our poppy sales have also been doing brilliantly, and we are up on last year when we raised £20,000."

Halesowen North Councillor and Dudley Council cabinet member for the environment Cllr Hilary Bills attended the Halesowen Remembrance Service parade and service at St John's Church.

She said: "The Remembrance parade and service was well attended, the church was packed. "It is encouraging to know that the people of Halesowen are eager to show their respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"And it was good to see the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Dave Tyler, in attendance as he is Dudley’s Armed Forces Champion and he was anxious to attend as many ceremonies across Dudley as was possible to show how important the role is to him."

She added: "We were delighted he came to Halesowen’s remembrance which was well organised as usual by the Halesowen Royal British Legion."

Mayor of Dudley Councillor Mohammed Hanif attended several services across the borough.

He said: “It was fabulous to see so many people out in honour of our army, navy and air force veterans and the men and women currently in service at home and abroad.

“It is a privilege for me to lead our community in this tribute to mark the contribution and sacrifice made by our armed forces heroes."

Halesowen North Councillor Stuart Henley, who works for the fire brigade, arranged for Dudley Fire Station's Blue Watch to lay a wreath.

He said: "The service at Dudley was a very well attended event and was proud to be part of it.

"It was great to see so many stood shoulder to shoulder with local communities to remember those who have fallen for the sake of peace and country we all enjoy today."