THERE was a plea to remember those who survived the horrors of war, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as the area marked Armistice Day.

The names of those who fell in two world wars were read out at local memorials, as well as those from more recent conflicts.

After placing a wreath at the memorial next to St Mary’s Church, Lydney, Cllr Bill Osborne said: “We are here to remember those who died in war but we should also remember those who came back after fighting for our freedom.”

The names of those from the town who died in the world wars were read out by pupils of Severnbanks and Primrose Hill Church of England primary schools.

The children then placed a poppy on the memorial in memory of the person who died.

Serjeant Dave Stanton of 1 Rifles read the roll of honour of those from the Beachley-based battalion who died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At Coleford, pupils of St John’s Church of England Academy joined members of the British Legion at the memorial near the town clock.

Pupils of Chepstow School gathered in St Mary’s Church to remember former pupils of Larkfield Grammar School who died in war.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of the staff and pupils, the school’s governors and the Larkfield Old Boys’ Association.

Welcoming pupils, headteacher Claire Price said she was not wearing both red and white poppies as usual.

She said: “There has been a politicisation of the poppy when it is a symbol of commemoration.

“I am wearing the red poppy alone because I want to emphasise that it is a commemoration and not a political symbol.”