THE people of Alton turned out in force for a Remembrance Day service to mark 90 years since the end of the Great War on Sunday.

They braved the weather - service men and women with medals gleaming, people young and old - all with blood red Flanders poppies proudly worn - a vivid reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many in the name of freedom.

They gathered scores deep around The Cairn war memorial on Crown Hill, the Union flag flying at half-mast, and the sound of the lone bugle catching in the November wind, as with heads bowed they stood in solemn reflection.

With the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan a constant reminder of the fragility of peace, there was a determined show of solidarity and support for those who are even now involved in the quest for global peace. And it was never more evident than from the spontaneous applause afforded to soldiers from Four Close Support Battalion of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) from Bordon Garrison as they marched past at the end of the service.

They had been joined earlier for a uniformed parade from the Market Square, led by WO2 (CSM) David Budgen (REME). Falling in behind the Royal British Legion standard bearers and the Boys Brigade band where members of the armed and emergency services and of local uniformed youth organisations, who came to a halt before the Cairn with standards dipped.

There they received the address, given this year by British Legion padre Revd Julian Richards who told the story of a World War II Spitfire pilot whose book, The Last Enemy, tells of how, despite the pain of human conflict, he managed to find his Christian faith.

The placing of the wreaths at the foot of The Cairn to commemorate the dead was led by town mayor, Atul Patel on behalf of Alton Town Council. He was followed by Tony Ludlow representing Hampshire County Council and Jerry Janes on behalf of East Hampshire District Council.

Wreaths were laid also by the Royal British Legion Alton branch, the Royal British Legion Club, the Royal Marines Association, the Royal Airforce Association, Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, St John Ambulance, the Salvation Army, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Scouts Association, Guides Association, Alton WI, Alton and District Youth Council, Alton College, Amery Hill School, Eggars School, All Saints Church, Alton Community Centre and relatives and friends.

The Kohima Epitaph and the Legion Exhortation were read by Royal British Legion branch chairman, Fred Houlton.

As the Union Jack fluttered in the breeze, flags remained lowered in respect and the congregation rose with one voice to sing the National Anthem, led by the Band of the Salvation Army, who also fielded the bugle player, Julian Poore, for Reveille and the Last Post.

The PA system for the service was provided by David Tigg.