CROWDS braved the cold and darkness of a winter evening to witness the Winsford's final tribute to the town's war heroes.

As part of the national initiative Battle’s Over – an international commemoration marking 100 years since the guns fell silent at the end of World War I – the town held its own commemoration on Rilshaw Meadows on Sunday.

Local bugler Gill Holmes played the poignant Last Post minutes before a beacon was lit in a tribute called Beacons of Light, signifying the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of four years of war.

Bells were then rung at churches across Winsford as part of Ringing Out For Peace.

Town crier Ben Booth performed a specially written cry for Peace Around the World.

Town mayor Cllr Gina Lewis said: "This was a tremendous conclusion to all our events commemorating 100 years since the end of the First World War, following on from the events in honour of James Clarke VC, the 247 men who lost their lives from Winsford and the service in the town centre.

"I am so pleased that so many people came along. It was a very moving and wonderful experience.”

People who attended the event said the beacon was a spectacular sight as it burned and lit up the surrounding area.

The beacon had been built thanks to help from local firm Plumbley’s Environmental Contractors, Mid-Cheshire Pallets and a group of committed volunteers.