AROUND 250 people gathered at the War Memorial on Pentwyn Avenue in Blackwood today.

Parade organiser, Bill Baber of the Blackwood and District branch of the Royal British Legion, led Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colonel Michael Harry, local dignitaries, youth organisations, and representatives from the Armed Forces at a service.

Thirty-five wreaths were laid at the memorial.

In Pontllanfraith, around 150 people attended a service, led by Bill Baber, outside the council offices yesterday afternoon.

Seventeen wreaths were laid at the War Memorial by local schoolchildren, youth organisations, The Mayor of Caerphilly Borough Council, Cllr Gaynor Oliver and local politicians.

Among the hymns sung during the ceremony was ‘Eternal Father Strong to Save.’ A service was then held in St Augustine’s Church.

In Cefn Fforest, around 250 people gathered at St Thomas’ Church where a service was held prior to a parade to the War Memorial, led by Paul Meredith, the secretary of the Royal Welsh Association’s Islwyn Branch, where several wreaths were laid.

In Cwmcarn, around 40 residents, schoolchildren, councillors and local groups gathered at the Cenotaph to lay wreaths. Marion Redwood, vicar of St Luke’s Church, Abercarn led a service supported by Elizabeth Squires, the Minister of Zion Baptist Chapel.

The Newbridge branch of the Royal British Legion held a memorial service at the Cenotaph at St Fagan’s National History Museum, Cardiff on Saturday. Then on Sunday, around 200 people supported a parade that assembled at Parry Square in Newbridge before marching to St Paul’s Church where a service was led by the Reverend Margaret Jefford before culminating at the War Memorial.