A CITY is reuniting to honour the war dead after a split led to rival ceremonies being held for the past four years.

Members of the Royal British Legion in Ripon broke away from the traditional Remembrance Day service in the city's cathedral, holding their own act of remembrance at the war memorial in the Spa Gardens.

They claimed some of their veterans found the traditional poppy day ceremony too long as they had to be on duty from 10.15am until 12.45pm.

But following talks involving cathedral authorities, the Royal British Legion and the city council a compromise has been reached. And on Remembrance Sunday, November 9, the two sides are coming together for a shortened act of remembrance.

Last year, a senior Royal British Legion chief asked the local branch to reconsider its breakaway stance and return to the traditional service in Ripon Cathedral.

During the split the Royal British Legion gathered at the Spa Gardens while the main civic service continued an 80-year tradition half a mile away by being held in Ripon Cathedral.

Two march pasts were also held in opposite directions.

President of Ripon Royal British Legion George Abelson, a 74-year-old Green Howards veteran, said: "I'm pleased we have all got together again. The cathedral will hold a shortened service, which means our elderly members will not be involved for such a long time."

Ripon's united Remembrance Sunday will begin with wreath laying at the War Memorial in the Spa Gardens where the two minutes' silence will also be observed at 11am.

There will then be a parade by 200 members of the 38 Engineer Regiment through the city where the Mayor, Councillor David Parnaby, will take the salute at the town hall.

This will be followed by a parade to the cathedral for a service at 11.30am.

Dean of Ripon the Very Reverend John Metheun expressed his delight at the city being together again for the traditional remembrance observance.

"I am looking forward to commemorating it together with the Royal Engineeers, mayor, councillors, Royal British Legion and the people of Ripon," said the Dean.

Ripon Cathedral will open at 11am for people unable to attend the Spa Gardens.