Remembrance Sunday tribute takes place at Belfast City Hall

The wreaths were laid at City Hall in Belfast

Several hundred people have gathered in Belfast for the annual tribute to those who died in the two World Wars and other conflicts.

The traditional laying of wreaths took place at 11:00 GMT at City Hall.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Ruth Patterson and the Queen's representative in Belfast, Dame Mary Peters, led the tribute.

First Minister Peter Robinson and Secretary of State Owen Paterson were also in attendance.

Mr Robinson said it was important that people remembered the sacrifices that had been given for the "freedom that we enjoy".

"That is right up to date now with the war in Afghanistan and the sacrifices that have been made there," he said.

"It was an especially poignant and moving occasion today."

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott and representatives from the military, fire service and Royal British Legion all laid wreaths on Sunday.

Elsewhere, the Queen laid a wreath at London's Cenotaph as part of Remembrance Sunday events being held around the UK to honour the country's war dead.

Other members of the royal family and politicians including the prime minister, religious leaders and military chiefs also attended.

In the Republic of Ireland, Irish President Michael D Higgins is to lay a wreath at the Remembrance Day service at St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin later.