It was the moment Hampshire honoured the courage and sacrifice shown by service personnel past and present.

Communities across the county came together to celebrate Armed Forces Day, which aimed to raise awareness of the contribution made by Britain’s soldiers, sailors and airmen.

Events included a parade through Netley and the presentation of medals to two Second World War veterans.

Seventy years after taking part in the conflict, George Atkins and Fred Dymond were finally honoured for their in helping to defeat Nazi Germany.

Mr Dymond received the Arctic Star, awarded to members of the British armed forces and Merchant Navy who served inside the Arctic Circle.

A total of 1,400 merchant ships transported vital supplies from the UK to northern ports in the Soviet Union. More than 80 of the vessels were lost, along with 16 of the Royal Navy warships that acted as escorts.

Mr Atkins served with Bomber Command and took part in raids on Hamburg and other German cities.

Bomber Command suffered more casualties than any other section of the armed forces, losing 55,573 of the 125,000 airmen who served.

But veterans say they have been overlooked by successive governments amid disquiet over the number of German civilians killed in the raids.