Wirral falls silent for moment of remembrance

Crowds fell silent for two minutes across the borough at 11am on November 11, remembering the end of the first world war and the sacrifices of the fallen from all conflicts.

A wreath placed on the war memorial in Port Sunlight simply says "Thank you for our freedom".

The Globe attended the gathering in Port Sunlight village, where Rev. Ian Smith, from Christchurch Port Sunlight, led a short service, before pupils from nearby schools place commemorative wreaths on the Cenotaph.

Also in attendance close to the war memorial was a tank and other army vehicles alongside some serving and veteran officers.

Retired W01 (RSM) Simon Hopkins (left) and Constable 6727 Mike Almond attending the service in Port Sunlight

Retired W01 (RSM) Simon Hopkins spent 23 years in the British Army, serving in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Speaking about the occasion, he said: "It's just vitally important. If you think about the old boys back in the day and the men and women who fought in the world wars, I always think back to them.

"In the more recent wars I have lost quite a few friends - colleagues, soldiers - and now I'm three years out of service, it's nice to go and remember them.

A tank and other army vehicles were present at the ceremony

Port Sunlight village provided a beautiful setting for today's moment of remembrance

"It's really encouraging to see the schoolkids here today, which I think is fantastic.

"I've got young children at home and they're very proud of what it stands for and why they're doing it.

"I'm just glad that schools do it. It pays that respect that is deserving."

One wreath left on the war memorial, encapsulated the occasion by simply reading "Thank you for our freedom".