HUNDREDS of residents all over Hampshire gathered to remember the many men and women who died serving their country.

War veteran members of the Royal British Legion were joined by regular and Territorial Army soldiers, cadets, Scouts and Guides in memorial parades across the county.

Though each service was different, they were linked with the common thread that the terrors faced by those involved in the world's great wars must never be forgotten.

In Southampton, up to 600 people attended a service at the Cenotaph, led by Bishop of Southampton Paul Butler and the city's rector Rev Ian Johnson.

Rev Johnson led a prayer in which he called for humankind to confess its failures and seek the peace God wills before community groups and organisations laid wreaths on the cenotaph.

A note on the wreath laid by the 457th Hampshire (Yeomanry) Battle Royal Artillery (Volunteers) read: "For those who fought and died for the country they loved."

Members of the public packed into Winchester Cathedral to hear lessons read by Captain Christopher Fagan DL and Canon Keith Anderson, vice dean of the cathedral.

In his sermon, Rev Grant Ashton said: "We are in danger of forgetting important things. We are in danger of forgetting those who died so that we might live and we might enjoy freedom."

Eastleigh enjoyed its biggest turn- out ever to the service at the war memorial. Hundreds gathered 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 was also thought for those who at that precise moment are fighting in the battle for Fallujah

Up to 200 Fawley residents marched in a parade led by the Royal British Legion to the Remembrance service in the village's All Saints Church.

Rev Barry James called for the congregation to renew its efforts in following Christ's plea for humankind to love its neighbours but also pray for its enemies.