HUNDREDS of people lined the streets of Oxford today to pay tribute to those who fought and died for their country.

People of all ages, races and faiths joined serving personnel, ex-servicemen and women, youth groups and civic dignitaries at the Remembrance service in St Giles.

The two-minute silence was immaculately observed by the large crowd, and for one brave former serviceman it was hard to contain his emotions on the sombre day.

Victor Loveridge, 86, a former captain in the Royal Marines, who served during the Second World War, said the day always brought back some of his hardest memories.

Mr Loveridge, who lives in Botley, said: "Coming out for Remembrance Sunday always fills me with such pride and when you see so many people out paying their respects, it means you know it was all worth it.

"But it is hard. I lost some good friends, my best friends, and those memories all come flooding back."

Fellow veteran Fred Hawman, from Oxford, who served in the Parachute Regiment during the Second World War, said: "I like to come and remember those who have fought for this country."

Territorial Army Private John Grant, of the Royal Rifle Volunteers, based at Slade Park Barracks in Headington, turned out with the rest of his unit for the event.

Royal British Legion and ex-services' association banners lowered in salute during the playing of the Last Post in St Giles, Oxford He said: "It's important that we all remember the sacrifices that have been made to protect our freedom. Without those sacrifices we wouldn't be here."

For the first time this year, representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities joined the official procession along St Giles.

Imam Monawar Hussain, said a prayer and blessing at the service on behalf of the Muslim community. He said: "It's been an honour to come here today with the other communities and pay our respects and it is a fantastic first for Oxford."

The sentiment was shared by Bruce Duncan, from Milton, near Banbury, who served for 37 years in the Royal Tank Regiment and whose son, Alexander, was killed during the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait in 1990. He said: "It shows us that we are multicultural, but that we are essentially British and that creeds are part of us but that no one creed forces itself on another."

In Botley, more than 700 people turned out for the service at the Commonwealth War Graves section of Botley Cemetery, in North Hinksey Lane.

Wreaths were laid at the Stone of Remembrance along with personal tributes.

Royal Logistic Corps soldiers from Dalton Barracks, in Abingdon, provided a Guard of Honour, as members of various youth groups, including the Guides and Brownies, laid their poppies at one of the graves.

Councillor Eric Batts said: "It's important for the young generation to pay their respects and understand the sacrifices that have been made for them."