More than 100 people gathered at the Merchant Navy Memorial at Mill Dam in South Shields for the annual Remembrance Day service yesterday.

The service began in the Mission to Seafarers, which almost closed earlier this year.

It was later given a reprieve after a Gazette campaign presented a 7,000-strong petition to bosses in London.

Beginning with a prayer of commemoration followed by hymns, the crowd then joined in prayer before assembling outside for the walk across to the riverside memorial.

Deputy Mayor, Coun Tom Pigott laid a wreath for South Tyneside Council on behalf of the people of the borough.

Pupils from Laygate Primary School looked on as representatives from Northumbria Police, the Merchant Navy, the Russian Convoy Club, and Mission to Seafarers, laid their wreaths.

One pupil even saluted as he mirrored the proud hand motion of a tearful veteran.

Coun Pigott, who is also chairman of governors at Laygate Primary, said: "It was a fantastic turnout considering the weather had been bleak all morning.

"I think it's important to educate a new generation about why we mark this occasion every year."

John Clayburn, 84, worked in the Merchant Navy, and is chairman of the Russian Convoy club.

He said: "It's a great turnout, but I see less and less veterans here every year, so it's important to let a new, younger generation know about the sacrifices people have made."

Faye Cunningham, a committee member for the Mission to Seafarers, said: "It's very poignant to hold the memorial on the banks of the Tyne, in memory of those 3,000 men who left the Tyne and never returned alive."

Meanwhile in Jarrow more than 300 people gathered for the annual service at Monkton War Memorial.

Old soldiers and dozens of schoolchildren stood in silence to the remember the war dead, including British soldiers killed in the conflict in Afghanistan.

The Mayor of South Tyneside, Coun John Anglin, who was the first to lay a wreath at the memorial, spoke of the importance of never forgetting those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

He said: "On this solemn occasion, it's heartening to see so many people, including so many young people in the parade. It's a memory for all of us in these difficult times."

Alluding to the situation in Afghanistan, Coun Anglin added: "Men and women are laying down their lives for our sakes and it's important we show we are 100 per cent behind them."

Children and adults listened intently to the words of the poem For the Fallen, by Laurence Binyon, including the famous lines: "At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

The Last Post was followed by two minutes' silence, the assembled crowd reverently bowing their heads.

Wreaths from the several military and community groups were laid, plus others by pupils from Bede Burn Primary, St Matthew's RC, and Valley View Primary, all Jarrow.