AROUND 300 people held a minute’s silence at a community garden in Newport yesterday on the day before the ninth anniversary of the September 11 terrorists attacks in America.

Local school pupils, churchgoers, residents, standard bearers and veteran soldiers were among the crowd who met at the memorial garden at Bettws Shopping Centre at 11am.

The community began holding its September Service after the terrorist attacks in America.

It has become an annual memorial not only to those who died in the tragedy, but also to servicemen who have lost their lives in conflicts since and it acts as a reminder of peace and reconciliation.

Canon Henry Davies led the service and the crowd sung hymns including Amazing Grace and All Things Bright and Beautiful.

Pupils from Newport High School, Monnow Primary School, Millbook Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael took part in the service by performing readings and lighting candles.