The wartime Dakota airplane dropped 100,000 poppy petals

The wartime Dakota airplane released 100,000 petals as part of the commemorations, which also marked 60 years since the end of World War II.

The poppy petals were dropped over the St George's Hall cenotaph following the two-minute silence at 1100 GMT.

Remembrance services were also held in Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

The Dakota plane, which was built in 1942, took part in D-Day and the airborne assault on Arnhem.

Colonel J Graeme Bryson, OBE, who is life president of the Royal British Legion, led the Act of Remembrance.

Remembrance services were held across the North West region

"It is wonderful that so many years after the events, the whole country gathers together to remember those who fought bravely for our country," he said.

Among the services taking place in Lancashire included in the Garden of Remembrance at Lancaster Town Hall and at the Cenotaph in Morecambe.

In Manchester, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Afzal Khan, led a procession from the Town Hall.

He said: "Remembrance Sunday is a time for the city to unite and remember all those who have served our country and those that continue to do so."

Senior representatives from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Royal British Legion, King's Regiment and reserve forces joined the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Dr Shkeela Kayani, in procession to the Cenotaph in St Peter's Square.

Faith leaders, including those from the Muslim and Jewish communities as well as those from the Free Church, Church of England and Catholic Church, joined clergy.