THOUSANDS of people in Clacton paid their respects to those who lost their lives during the First World War.

The annual Remembrance Day parade, held on Sunday, saw the biggest-ever turnout of more than 6,000 people as they lined the streets of Clacton to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the war.

Led by the Colchester Scout Band, dignitaries took a salute from the parade at Clacton Town Hall before the procession travelled to the town’s War Memorial in the seafront gardens for a service led by the Rev David Lower.

The service included the Last Post and a reflective silence, while a group of people, including Isabeau Cook-Broad, aged 13, read a list of those who died in the First World War from Clacton.

Dan Casey, president of the Clacton branch of the Royal British Legion, said he was pleased at the number of people who turned out for the landmark anniversary.

“I was touched at just how many people gathered this year to mark Remembrance Day,” he said.

“This year in particular it is fitting that so many people of all ages and generations have come together to say ‘We will remember’ them.

“For me that is the key message – not to forget the sacrifice made by those fighting for our freedom, or the loss and devastation that conflict can cause.”

The parade passed a replica First World War tank, which had been constructed by the East Essex Aviation Society on the Town Square the previous day.

On Clacton’s West Beach 216 silhouette soldiers were created on the sand by stencils, to be washed away by the tide, as The Grand Theatre of Lemmings took part in the Pages of the Sea project led by top director Danny Boyle.

Mandy Rose, from the Lemmings Theatre, said: “It really brought home just how quickly the tide – or an ill-fated assault in a First World War battle – could erase so many people from existence and brought home that message in a really visual way.”

Also taking part in the commemorations was Tendring Council’s There But But Not There Tommy Statue, while the Town Hall had projections of First World War soldiers across the weekend.

Tendring Council Chairman Mark Platt said: “I have been overwhelmed with how many different organisations have taken part in this year’s Remembrance events.

“I am proud of how many people turned out today not only in Clacton, but also I am told around Tendring, to pay their respects to the fallen. We will remember them.”

Parade marshal Jamie Robinson thanked everyone who attended the service – including an estimated 1,200 people who took part in the parade.

Clacton Pier commemorated the centenary by displaying a giant poppy field on its big screen and its new lighting system was switched to red, white and blue to mark the occasion.

Pier director Billy Ball said: “The turnout for the service was truly amazing with all ages and organisations coming together to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us,” he said.

“I have never seen so many gathered around the memorial to hear the names of the 214 from the town who lost their lives fighting for their country in the First World War."