Huge crowds pay tribute to the fallen in Runcorn

Nov 12 2009 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

For our tomorrow, they gave their today

MASSIVE crowds turned out in Runcorn to pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday.

The event was particularly poignant this year as the conflict in Afghanistan continues to bring home the horrors of war.

Two parades took place in the town, with 300 turning out for an early morning parade at Halton Royal British Legion.

Later in the afternoon, scouts and guides were among more than 500 people taking part in the march to the Greenway Road cenotaph.

Bobby Dunn, treasurer of Halton British Legion, said: “The day was absolutely fantastic and it was one of the best turnouts for a long time.

“I’d say there was a 25% increase in numbers this year.

“People are a lot more concerned about war now and there’s also been a massive rise in interest among young people.

“There were about 130 young kids there on the day.”

Derek Lorenz, branch chairman and parade marshal, added: “We did a parade in the morning at Halton British Legion which attracted about 300 and the one in the afternoon at the cenotaph saw about 500 people turn up.

“Each year grows bigger and bigger and I can’t express enough how much the youth interest has increased.

“There were loads of young people at the parade.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part.”