As the autumn leaves fell to the ground in Rickerby Park, bathed in the peaceful afternoon sunshine, Cumbria paid tribute to all those who fell in the chaos of war.

Representatives and members of the public from across the county gathered this afternoon at the foot of the cenotaph housed in Rickerby Park, paying tribute to wartime sacrifice.

Today's service held a special significance, as it marked 100 years to the day since the end of World War I.

Rickerby Park was itself dedicated as a memorial to the fallen in World War I, with the park’s cenotaph, built in 1922, carrying the inscription:

“To the Immortal Memory of the men and women of Cumberland and Westmorland who gave their lives during the Great War.”

This made today's ceremony all the more poignant, as Cumbrians both young and old spoke, sang and prayed in memory of those affected by World War I, and all the conflicts endured since.

Micharl Feeney, 58, was one of those in the crowd. A former British Army soldier, he served in Northern Ireland and the Falklands.

He thought it was important for Cumbria to pay its respects to the fallen.

“With today being the 100th anniversary of the First World War, it’s important to remember that people gave a lot for the society we live in now,” said Mr Feeney, who lives in Carlisle.

“It’s only respectful that we turn out and give them one day.”

Tony Parrini, a former RAF officer, is secretary of the Carlisle and Stanwix branch of the Royal British Legion, and was instrumental in organising the event.

“It has been a team effort. We could not have done it without a good team of people to get things organised the way we did,” said the former Squadron Leader.

He praised the public for the strength of the turnout at both the morning and afternoon events in Carlisle.

“We knew the public would support us, because we knew they wouldn’t let an occasion like this go by.

“You’ve got to keep the memory alive,” he added.

Carlisle’s MP John Stevenson laid a wreath at the Rickerby Park cenotaph. He reflected on the event afterwards.

“It’s poignant, when you reflect on what happened a hundred years ago, and to a certain extent the significance of it in today’s uncertain world,” he said.

“It’s a reminder of the sacrifice people made so that we can live in a democracy and a free country.”