VETERANS and dignitaries fell silent in the city to dedicate ground for remembering those who gave their lives in war.

The mayor of Winchester Cllr Eleanor Bell laid a poppy cross on the cathedral’s green to begin the Remembrance services today, followed by members of the Royal British Legion and the public.

A patch of grass in the shadow of the city’s war memorial was dedicated as the Garden of Remembrance, where residents can leave poppies to honour those who fell in the two world wars and other conflicts.

The Reverend Canon Roland Riem, vice dean and canon chancellor of Winchester Cathedral, dedicated the ground and read prayers.

Members of The Buglers Association of The Light Division and Rifles David Mence and Steve Vaughan played The Last Post to begin the two minutes silence, with serving member of the Royal Navy David Shore acting as standard bearer.

Derek Green, chairman of the Winchester branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “We have got to remember all those who gave their lives for us to have a better life.”

The Garden of Remembrance has been taking place in the city for over two decades and this year is expected to remain for longer.