The town fell silent today at 11am as residents marked Armistice Day.

People stood by the war memorial in South Street, in Bucky Doo Square and came out on to the street from shops and homes to take part in the two-minute silence.

Resident Paul Violet donned an army uniform and stood in Bucky Doo Square while the country fell silent.

Paul usually visits Belgium with two others around this time as between them they have around 10 First World War vehicles. He also takes part in the first and Second World War commemorative Western Front trenches at the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

He said: "If it wasn't for Covid then we would have been over in Belgium at Yres. We had a back-up plan was to drive to all the way back from Belgium to Dorset had we been allowed to, but we couldn't do that.

"I thought, seeing as I am around this year, the uniform was in the TIC, I put the uniform on and paid my respects."

Paul said he found it quite moving dressing up in the uniform for the two-minute silence.

He added: "When you have been and seen quite a few cemeteries and The Somme, it really is very moving."

Two large poppies have been placed next to the memorial bench on Allington Hill as a tribute to all those who have lost their lives in war.

Armistice Day follows Remembrance Sunday, when a small ceremony was held at the war memorial by St Mary's Church.

Bridport mayor, Cllr Ian Bark, said: "Today, as we live here in Bridport, in peace and safety, we pay our respects to all of the fallen, all for the wounded and all who served in conflicts.

"Today, as we should every day, we remember those who volunteered, sacrificed, served, fought and died for our freedom.

"Today we are in the midst of a different war against the Covid-19 virus, and as a result, sadly we are unable to remember those who made such enormous sacrifices in the way we would otherwise want to.

"We thank you, the key workers who are working tirelessly for our safety and benefit and we salute you as we salute those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

"We will never forget. We will remember."

Bridport musician David Powell also wrote 'Light to the Darkness', a moving song to mark Remembrance Day. It can be heard at the top of this page.

He said: "I wrote the song to illustrate the sacrifice made by so many in two world wars that led to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"The tune is 'The Battle of the Somme' , written by Scottish piper William Laurie after the battle. I play it on a melodeon handed down to me from my wife's grandfather who was gifted it by a German soldier in Paris at the end of the First World War.

"This short film based on a song I wrote and performed with my band and Colfox students in Bridport's WW1 Armistice centenary commemorations.

"I attempt to draw a direct line between the sacrifice of war, and the rights that all children and adults have now to be protected and supported. Bridport has declared its ambition to be a Rights-Respecting town."