FOR their bravery and courage, our freedom and their losses, Portchester remembered them.

More than 100 people gathered in Portchester Precinct on Saturday morning for a parade and service of remembrance to honour those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and conflicts around the world since 1945.

Portchester Remembers was organised by the Royal British Legion.

Parade commander Roy Cook supervised the march of war veterans, Royal British Legion standard bearers, detachments from TS Tenacity and TS Explorer, Army cadets and Sea Scouts.

This year for the first time HMS Collingwood Guard also took part in the parade.

Fareham councillors and deputy mayor Leslie Keeble also attended the service, which was led by Reverend Canon Michael Cooper, vicar of Portchester.

After opening prayers and hymns, Councillor Roger Price read an address honouring those who lost their lives in two World Wars and urging all assembled to keep in mind the plight of servicemen and women still serving abroad.

"Portchester is a proud village, and this time of year is for remembering," Cllr Price said.

"Our thoughts today should not solely be for those who died in the First and Second World Wars, but also conflicts in the last century and conflicts now across the world,

and those who are losing their lives today.

"Our servicemen and women are still fighting for the much-cherished freedoms we take for granted."

David Nash of the Fareham British Legion organised the service and said it got better every year.

"Today's service was very good indeed and there was a good turnout," he said. "It's important to the people of Portchester that this parade continues, and I will carry on organising it as long as I can.

"It's important to make sure people continue to remember."