LOCAL politicians, dignitaries and residents have hailed this year's remembrance event in Kendal as one of the biggest 'in many years'.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron, one of the first to lay a wreath on the cenotaph in Market Place this morning, said he believed the number of others doing the same had doubled since last year.

"It was really moving and I think the biggest remembrance commemorations here for many, many years," he said.

"Obviously knowing a lot of the people putting down the wreaths and knowing their personal stories made it very poignant."

The event, to mark the ending of World War One, began at 9.30am when mayor of Kendal, Tom Clare, laid the first poppies on the war memorial.

Dozens of others followed from groups including the Scouts, St John Ambulance and the local branch of the sea cadets.

A respectful silence fell over the centre of Kendal as each group bowed, saluted or lowered their standards to the cenotaph.

Buglers then marked the start and end of a two minute silence, after Tony Crane, county base chairman of the Royal British Legion, spoke the Ode of Remembrance.

"This is the biggest turnout we've had for most years," said bugler, Clive Sumpter, of the Kendal Sea Cadets.

"I think because it's the centenary year there's a lot of awareness this year."

A parade from the town hall to the parish church then followed, before a service at the church, with readings and another two minute silence.

This year marks the centenary of the start of World War One.

Dozens more events took place across South Lakeland and north Lancashire, and Mr Farron said he would also be attending one in Windermere later this morning.