HUNDREDS of children joined veterans at the annual Armistice Day service in Huddersfield.

Pupils from eight schools joined former servicemen and dignitaries for two minutes’ silence at the Greenhead Park cenotaph at 11am yesterday.

Richard Woffenden, head of history at Royds Hall High School, told the Examiner: “We’ve brought just over 50 students who are studying history for GCSE.

“It’s very important that they see a remembrance service so they can understand the impact which war has on people’s lives.

“History is a part of people’s lives, it’s not something that happens in textbooks.”

Hannah Jones, 15, was one of the Royds Hall pupils at the ceremony.

“The event is a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be,” she said.

“The atmosphere hits you as soon as you walk in, you realise how many people are affected.”

Lee Griffiths, 30, was one of the younger veterans at yesterday’s ceremony.

The Milnsbridge man served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for eight years, including a tour of Iraq in 2006.

“It’s fantastic to see so many people here,” he said.

“As the years go on, the number of veterans from earlier wars dwindles so it’s important for younger veterans like myself to get involved in ceremonies like this.

“It’s important that we carry on the traditions of the older veterans.”

The 15-minute service of remembrance was led by the new Vicar of Huddersfield the Rev Simon Moor.

He told the Examiner: “This is the first time I’ve experienced a remembrance service on this scale.

“It’s excellent that children are able to see this and observe the silence.”

The Mayor of Kirklees Clr Eric Firth was also attending his first remembrance service at Greenhead Park.

The Dewsbury man said: “This is the first time I’ve had the privilege of attending the ceremony in Huddersfield. It’s absolutely wonderful to see such a high turnout and to see eight schools here.