YOUNG and old stood side by side in silent tribute to those war heroes from Eastleigh who fell on foreign fields.

Representatives from all walks of life laid wreaths with blood-red poppies to commemorate those who died serving their country.

Eastleigh attracted one of its biggest ever turnouts for a Remembrance Sunday service.

Golden leaves carpeted the Leigh Road Recreation Ground, which was drenched in brilliant sunshine.

Hundreds gathered at the war memorial for the traditional Act of Remembrance to salute those who had laid down their lives in bygone wars.

As a respectful hush fell across the town's parkland for the two-minute silence there were thoughts for those troops facing danger in Iraq.

Resplendent in their red tunics, the 24-strong Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Band provided the musical backcloth for the ceremony organised by the Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford and District Branch of the Royal British Legion. Eastleigh Mayor Councillor June Hughes laid the first wreath.

There were moving words from Eastleigh Council's chief executive Chris Tapp, who said: "The First World War was terrible. Millions of dead and wounded are forever in our memory. However it did not prevent a Second World War and the murderous conflicts which have followed even today.

"On this day of remembrance let us make an appeal for peace, tolerance, freedom, respect and friendship."

The service was conducted by the Mayor's chaplain the Reverend Cliff Bannister, the Vicar of St John's Hedge End. Wreaths were also laid by representatives of Eastleigh's twin towns Villeneuve Saint Georges, France and Kornwestheim in Germany.

RBL branch chairman Norman Brown, 78, who served with the Royal Engineers in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany, said: "It is smashing the way that people have turned out to remember all the ones that gave their lives for their country and are continuing to do so in present conflicts."

There were similar ceremonies at St Boniface Church, Chandler's Ford and St Edward's Church, Netley Abbey.