THE traditional start to Thurrock's season of Remembrance took place in the west of the borough today (Sunday, 5 November) with a parade and service in Purfleet this morning followed by a short service and wreath-laying at West Thurrock's Memorial Park on the afternoon.

The service at Purfleet saw a parade of residents, service representatives and civic dignitaries leave the Heritage and Military Centre on the Garrison estate for the short journey to St Stephen's Church and the war memorial. Two vintage buses, provided by Ensign Buses, carried those unable to walk.

Among those laying wreaths were borough MP Jackie Doyle-Price, Mayor Cllr Sue Little and ward councillor Lee Watson.

The service, which is always the week before national Armistice Sunday commemorations to allow local people to take part in national and regional events, was hosted by Rev Tara Frankland.

Dave Honeywell, musical director of Grays Town Band, played the Last Post, Reveille and the national anthem.

Cllr Lee Watson after the wreath-laying at West Thurrock Memorial Park.

The short service at West Thurrock Memorial Park was attended by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Qaisar Abbas as well as councillors, residents and forces representatives.

The next major date on the Remembrance calendar in Thurrock is next Saturday's morning's traditional ceremony at Orsett.