THE Prime Minister at the time of the Falklands War will unveil a special commemorative arch in Fareham.

Falkland heroes will be remembered as ex-Premier Baroness Thatcher joins veterans and dignitaries for the special event to mark the 25th anniversary of the end of the conflict.

Baroness Thatcher will take part in the day's events before officially opening the Falklands Arch on June 12, which has been specially named to commemorate the sacrifices made.

The event, organised by Fareham Borough Council, will start with a march by HMS Collingwood, exercising its right as freeman of the borough.

A drumhead service will then be held in West Street before the Baroness and Mary Fagan JP, Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, unveils the steel archway.

The Falklands Arch was designed and crafted by blacksmith Peter Clutterbuck, who added 82 pennies to the arch to represent the year of the Falklands Conflict.

On April 2, 1982, Argentina invaded the British Sovereign territory of the Falkland Islands leading the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, to send troops to the South Atlantic to get the Falklands back.

The conflict lasted 74 days, with 255 members of the British Task Force paying the ultimate sacrifice and 777 injured.

The eventual surrender of Argentinean forces on June 14 contributed to Baroness Thatcher's rise in popularity, leading to her re-election in 1983.

Baroness Thatcher went on to win a unprecedented third term in office, making her the longest serving Prime Minister for 150 years, as well as being the first - and so far only - woman to have that role.

Sean Woodward, executive leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: "It is most fitting that Baroness Thatcher has agreed to join us at this special event to commemorate 25 years since the Falklands conflict.

"I could not think of anyone more appropriate to perform the opening and I was delighted when she responded positively to my invitation.

"There are many Fareham residents who were either involved in or affected by the Falklands conflict and I am sure they will warmly welcome her to the borough."

Due to the commemorative event there will be temporary road closures in the town centre on the day. High Street, Quay Street and West Street will all be closed from 6.30am until 2pm.

There will also be reduced car parking spaces in the borough. Market Quay car park will have fewer spaces during that time and Ferneham Hall car park will be closed from 6.30am to 4pm.

Residents are invited to join the commemorations and should gather in the eastern end of West Street from 10.30am.