HASLEMERE Prep School pulled out all the stops to mark this year’s Remembrance Day by staging a large display outside its main reception which was admired by town mayor Melanie Odell.

Every pupil contributed to the display by painting their own poppy as part of an all-school art activity just before half term, and an outdoor service of remembrance on Wednesday, with readings, hymns and preyers was held in front of it.

Services were held on Sunday in Haslemere and surrounding villages, with hundreds turning out to pay their respects.

Town centre commemorations began with a service at St Bartholomew’s Church followed by the annual parade involving Haslemere youth organisations, including the Air Training Corps, Scouts and Guides, to the High Street War Memorial, where wreaths were laid and a two-minute silence was held.

Mayor of Haslemere Melanie Odell also led the gathering on Wednesday morning around the war memorial for prayers and two minutes silence at 11am, on Remembrance Day.

She told The Herald: “It is a privilege to be involved in the commemoration of our fallen with so many other members of our community.

It is especially touching to see the range of ages at the event and we are very proud of our community and the representatives of the local organisations who came together on Sunday to remember the ultimate sacrifice paid by so many.

“It was an honour to read the names of the local men and women who gave their lives so that we may lead the lives we do today. It is especially humbling when we hear so many local names and often there are several with the same surname.”

Mrs Odell said she was grateful to all the town hall staff for their organisation, Rev Mary Bowden and St Bartholomew’s Church for their support, volunteers who stewarded the road closures, the Air Training Corps for marshalling the parade as well as Haslemere Hall for the providing the venue and refreshments after the event.

She also congratulated Michael Barnes, the local British Legion and many volunteers who collected for the local Poppy Appeal for their “dedication and hard work”.

“It has been a tremendous success and the giant poppies reaching throughout our area from Grayswood to Beacon Hill have been enthusiastically commented on by many residents and visitors.”

Ceremonies were also held at St Stephen’s Church, in Shottermill, St Luke’s, in Linch, St Alban’s in Hindhead, and All Saints, Grayswood.

Wreaths were laid at War Memorials in Grayshott and Fernhurst – and also by the congregation of St Luke’s, in Milland, in the village of Rake, and also at St Mary’s Church, in Bramshott.