CIVIC dignitaries, former airmen, old soldiers, air cadets and borough residents were among those paying their respects at Thurrock Branch of the Royal Air Forces Battle of Britain Memorial in Grays Town Centre this morning.

There was a good turnout at the High Street war memorial for the annual service, conducted by Rev John Guest.

Among those laying wreaths was Thurock MP Andrew Mackinlay, deputy Mayor councillor Maureen Pearce and representatives from many military and civilian organisations.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was a reading, given from memory, by 'AJ', a member of 106 (Orsett Hundred) Squadron Air Training Corps.

Rev Guest, in his address paid tribute to all those who have fallen in conflict, paying tribute to the borough's most recent victim, Lance Corporal Nicky Mason from Aveley, who recently died in Afghanistan while serving with 2Para.