Youth were front and centre in Central Otago on Anzac Day.

From sentry duty to giving away Anzac biscuits, making and laying wreaths to reading the Ode, young people were at the front of memorial services across the region.

A drummer and bagpiper perform during the Oturehua Anzac service, in front of about 40 people. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/GRAEME MALE

In Alexandra, Zain-Star Kavanagh read the Ode in Te Reo Maori, holding a photograph of her great-grandfather Te Hau Tahu, of Waikaremoana.

Ms Kavanagh said she thought it was the first time the Ode had been read in Maori in the town.

A poppy is placed at the base of the Cromwell Cenotaph following the Anzac service last week. PHOTO: RUBY SHAW

Her great-grandfather was member of the Maori Battalion, joining up at 18 years old. He returned home after being shot and he and his wife went on to have 18 children.

In Roxburgh young visitors — AJ, Gracie and Max Cain and Emma Ramsay — gave out Anzac biscuits after the service.

After leading the parade at both Millers Flat and Roxburgh Anzac services Corporal Peter Spedding (right) inspects the crosses at Roxburgh with Roxburgh-Millers Flat RSA president Andy Reed. Corporal Spedding, whose parents live at Millers Flat, is based at Burnham Military Camp, where he is a physical training instructor. PHOTO: JULIE ASHER

Their grandmother Sue Cain, of Roxburgh, who helped the children with the baking, said offering the biscuits after the service was something she had wanted to do for a long time.

Alexandra-Clyde RSA president Kevin Harding said he was pleased with attendance, particularly from younger generations, despite "atrocious" weather.

In his address to the Alexandra Anzac service Central Otago District Council chief executive and former New Zealand Army chief Major General Peter Kelly (centre) said the Anzac story was as strong as it ever was. Listening is Master of Ceremonies for the service Alexandra RSA member Gerry Sutherland. PHOTO: JULIE ASHER

Close to 1000 people attended the two services in Clyde last week.

"It was wonderful — especially the young ones."

Pupils from Goldfields Primary School pay their respects at the Cromwell Cenotaph during the Anzac service last week.PHOTO: RUBY SHAW

The youth were the ones tasked with carrying one the Anzac traditions, he said.

"When we’re gone, we’re going to need that younger generation."