HUNDREDS of people pack-ed into Winchester's ancient cathedral for a special rem-embrance service yesterday.

Representatives of the Royal British Legion, war veterans, Army cadets, Cubs and Scouts joined the congregation for a service dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in conflict over the last century.

Lessons were read by Captain Christopher Fagan and Canon Keith Anderson, vice dean of the cathedral.

During the sermon, Rev Grant Ashton encouraged all present to remember those who died for our freedom.

"We are in danger of forgetting important things," he said. "We are in danger of forgetting those who died so that we might live and we might enjoy freedom.

"The fact that the Royal British Legion exists at all shows it has long been possible that old soldiers might be forgotten.

"Even in this community, with its long links with the military, thousands of people are still gathered in shopping malls to worship their gods of commercialism and apathy. There are many of us here this morning but many more are in the shops."

During the service, hymns including O God Our Help In Ages Past and Through All The Changing Scenes of Life were sung, as well as the National Anthem.

The final part of the service was held outside the cathedral at the War Memorial and included a two-minute silence. Dennis Harryman, mayor of Winchester, joined representatives of the British Legion, the armed forces and other organisations to lay wreaths at the memorial.

This was followed by the blessing from Canon Anderson.

War veterans Norman Davies and Sidney Smith both come to the service of remembrance every year.

Mr Davies said: "It's important to keep up this service so people remember, and it's a shame more people don't come along."

Edward Budgen of the Royal British Legion added: "This is very important, especially for the old comrades in Winchester. But we get fewer and fewer of them every year, and not many young people appear these days."