A POIGNANT service was held in Birchwood to commemorate Remembrance Day.

Held outside Birchwood Shopping Centre, communities gathered to pay their respects and to mark the lives of those lost in service of their country.

Wreaths were laid at the moving ceremony, and members of the community were joined by the armed forces, local councillors, politicians, and Town Hall staff.

Warrington Guardian: A number of wreaths were laid in Birchwood over the weekendA number of wreaths were laid in Birchwood over the weekend (Image: Charlotte Nichols)

The service was led by the Birchwood Lions, who were joined by representatives from Birchwood Town Council, the British military and cadet forces, Birchwood emergency services, Charlotte Nichols MP for Warrington North, The Rotary Club, a host of local schools, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and the British Legion.

Birchwood Shopping Centre made a donation to the annual Poppy Appeal, and the centre's deputy manager - Sandra Washbourne - lay a wreath at the memorial service.

Officers from Birchwood Police laid a wreath on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary, and students from Birchwood High School's choir sang at the ceremony.

Warrington North MP, Charlotte Nichols, was also in attendance.

Ms Nichols said: "It was great to see the service so well attended, after a few years of disruption due to Covid, and people of all ages from right across the community coming together to pay their respects - especially the children from the Scouts and Girlguiding movements who really did us all proud."

Warrington Guardian: Cllr David Ellis was joined by Charlotte Nichols MP, and members of the emergency services and armed forcesCllr David Ellis was joined by Charlotte Nichols MP, and members of the emergency services and armed forces (Image: Charlotte Nichols)

Birchwood councillor David Ellis laid a wreath on behalf of the town council, and the people of Birchwood.

Cllr Ellis added: "Lovely service as always and an honour to be able to lay a wreath on behalf of the town council and the people of Birchwood."

The service began at 10:45am on Saturday, November 12, and was led by the Reverend Allison Claxton.

Birchwood's service took place before the main Warrington Remembrance Sunday service, which was held at the cenotaph on Bridge Foot on Sunday, November 13.