Public set to honour the fallen during Armistice Day events

Civilians and servicemen celebrate the Armistice announcement, ending the First World War on November 11, 1918. Credit: PA/PA Wire

Tributes will be paid today to the millions of British servicemen and women who have died in conflict since the beginning of the First World War 100 years ago.

Armistice Day has been marked on the November 11 every year since 1919 - a year after the Allied forces signed an agreement with the Germans that would end WW1.

After the Second World War, commemorations were adapted to honour the fallen of both conflicts, and Remembrance Sunday was established to replace Armistice Day.

The Western Front Association organises the Annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. Credit: ITV News

Since last year's Armistice Day, seven members of the British armed forces have died in service - including five who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in April.

Richard Hughes, of the Western Front Association - which organises the Annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph - said this year's commemorations were not just about marking the end of the First World War.

"We have got the modern version here with us stepping back from Afghanistan. That itself has tremendous resonance," he said.

The British Legion is on target to sell more than 45 million poppies by the end of Armistice Day. Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

This year's Poppy Appeal has been more successful than ever. The British Legion is on target to sell more than 45 million poppies by the end of Armistice Day - one million more than last year.

Head of remembrance for the British Legion, Stephen Clarke, said:

The final ceramic poppy will be planted in the art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London. Credit: Chris Radburn/PA Wire

As well as a number of local events across the county, the British Legion will be hosting a Silence in the Square event in Trafalgar Square today.

The Western Front Association will host their Annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Whitehall.

Armistice Day will be marked at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and the final ceramic poppy will be planted in the art installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the Tower of London.