VETERANS attended Southampton's Guildhall last night to honour war heroes at the city's revived festival of remembrance.

The event was cancelled last year for the first time in more than 50 years because of a cash crisis.

But sponsors stepped in and donated £3,000, securing the safety of next year's festival as well.

About 250 people attended last night's ceremony, which helped raise hundreds of pounds for families of Hampshire's war veterans.

It included performances from the Southampton Albion Band and choral renditions of hymns.

The event went ahead after donations of £2,000 from Esso of Fawley and a further £1,000 from Hedge End firm Posh Windows and Conservatories.

Festival committee chairman Tom McEniry said: "A lot of people were disappointed it could not go ahead last year but we had no choice as we didn't have the money. It's terrific we've been able to bring it back.

"It's very important as a lot of people only think about the two world wars and forget about the other conflicts.

"Because the two companies have come into help it means we can definitely hold an event next year as well."

Jan Holloway, 79, from Netley, who was in the Auxiliary Training Service for four years, said: "I have been coming here for about 20 years so was very disappointed it had to be cancelled last year."