MORE than 200 shoppers gathered in the Potteries Centre yesterday for a remembrance event.

Crowds joined veterans and members of the Potteries and District branch of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association for a two-minute silence.

The hymn O'God Our Help In Ages Past and the national anthem God Save The Queen were sung and a poem called Who Are These Men? was read. Veteran Alec Patterson, pictured below, who attended the event, served for 28 years, including the Second World War.

The 85-year-old joined as a boy in 1939 and spent six years in Egypt, three years in Singapore and three years on secondment to the Malayan army.

He also served in Germany and as an instructor in the Territorial Army.

Mr Patterson, who lives in Sneyd Green, said: "It's important to remember those who have given their lives for our country and also the men who are serving in Afghanistan. I wish there could have been a few more standards at this event today, but quite a few have gone down to the cenotaph."

Standard bearer John Hughes, aged 70, from Hanley, said: "We should remember all those we lost during the two wars and also those that are still serving and have lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"All the boys are doing a brilliant job and should continue with what they are doing until everything has been seen to be done properly."