HUNDREDS of Southampton residents attended the Remembrance Sunday service to pay their respects to the men and women who served their country.

Up to 600 members of the public attended the service led by the Bishop of Southampton and the city's rector Rev Ian Johnson at the Cenotaph.

Mayor of Southampton Councillor Dennis Harryman opened the ceremony with a calling to people of all faiths and traditions to remember those who had died in war.

Bishop of Southampton the Right Rev Paul Butler then led the Act of Remembrance, saying a few short words before The Last Post was played.

After the traditional Remembrance Sunday silence, the Rt Rev Butler said prayers for the Baha'i Sikh, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish communities.

Rev Johnson led a prayer in which he called for humankind to confess its failures and seek the peace God wills.

Following the act of commitment by the Rt Rev Butler, community groups and organisations from across the city 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."

Another, laid by the Southampton Women's Section, read: "In memory of all the women who served their country in times of need."

After the traditional closing rendition of God Save the Queen, the various assembled units marched to West Marlands Road where the salute was taken by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and Mayor Harryman.

Commenting on the service, veteran Ernest Morgan, 66, of Mayfield Road, Swaythling, said: "It was a nice, well supported service. I like to see a lot of people turn out and make the effort.

"I think the kids today have got a different idea of life and they really ought to know what went on.''