Thousands of people flock to Newport Remembrance Parade to mark 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War

Today marks exactly 100 years since the armistice was signed to end one of the world’s bloodiest conflicts - World War One - which spanned continents and cost millions of lives.

Newportians were undeterred by the wet weather and lined city centre streets to pay their respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

The parade - which consisted of members of Newport County, Gwent Police, The Royal British Legion, the scout movement and others - started on the High Street at exactly 10.30am and it marched to the cenotaph for a service.

A two-minute silence was also observed, against only the sound of distant traffic, and finished at the sound of a canon being fire.

Centenarian George Reynolds, who was a prisoner of war in Japan in the Second World War, was the first person to lay a wreath, with the solemn hymn Abide With Me playing.

He said: “I am feeling very emotional and proud to be here.”

Politicians from across the political spectrum also laid wreaths.

Newport City Council leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox said: “It is extremely moving and I’m always struck when I see the old soldiers.

“I am also delighted with the big turn out.”

Conservative Cllr Matthew Evans added: “I have been coming to these for about 20 years and it is fantastic to see the crowds getting bigger and bigger.”

St Julians resident Paul White was one of thousands of Newport residents to feel moved by the service.

“Knowing it is 100 years since it came to an end makes it even more important,” said the 57-year-old.

“We must always remember history, otherwise it will be repeated.

“I had a few family members who were killed in some of the First World One battles. It has been a very moving service.”

Other events had also been held this week to mark the significant date.

Hundreds of people packed out St Woolos Cathedral on Saturday to take part in a centenary commemoration event – with some queuing to get in before the doors opened.

Those who made it up to the cathedral on Stow Hill were treated to poignant songs from a host of choirs, including the Dragons Choir, Newport U3A Choir, and the Newport Rugby Club Choir.

As well as choral performances, Joan Hoctor delighted visitors with songs and the Newport Boys Brigade Band kept up a rousing atmosphere.

One of the event organisers, Peter Strong, said they had been blown over by the turnout, which he expected to top 1000 by the day’s end.

“We had no idea this many people would come,” said Mr Strong, who chairs the Gwent branch of the Western Front Association.

“It’s been heaving all day. It’s been wonderful.

“The whole project has involved collaboration with the South Wales Argus, and we’re very grateful for the publicity that has drawn everyone here today.

“We also want to thank the charities, organisations, volunteers and stall holders involved, as well as everyone else who has turned up to make this such a special occasion.”

Visitors to the cathedral were greeted with fundraising stalls selling First World War memorabilia, and a host of exhibitions and educational panels created with support from Gwent Archives, the British Legion and local Newport historians and volunteers.

In the downstairs section of the cathedral, visitors could also take in a number of talks and films.

Talks included ‘Charley’s War’, in which Christabel Hutchings introduced a newly published memoir of a Pontypool Soldier, and ‘Remembering the Monmouthshires’, which looked at the story of the 1st Mons’ battalion memorial from St Woolos Cathedral.

Jane Bryant AM and Jessica Morden MP also talked about their ancestors who served in the Great War, while a tribute talk was also given to local sportsmen who lost their lives in the war.

A special video project involving Pill Primary and Ysgol Cymraeg Casnewydd was aired for the first time, exploring the role of local mariners during the conflict.

Project researcher and author Andrew Hemmings, who worked on it for a year, said he was delighted at the end result.

“I feel very gratified. Not for me, but it’s a debt to all the service men who died in the war, especially from the Mercantile Navy and the Royal Navy. It’s a testament to those who served.”

Edward Watts MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gwent and Chairman of the Mission to Seafarers Newport, called the project wonderful.

“A lot of people gave up their lives in two world wars to protect us and I think these films are a fantastic jolt to us older generations and a good learning tool for younger people,” he said.

“I think the children for a lot out of it.”