LOST comrades and loved ones are to be remembered at a special service in Gosport to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Falklands War.

Veterans across Hampshire and the families of those who did not return have been invited to attended the ceremony at Falkland Gardens, where crowds watched the ships sail for the Falkland Islands two decades ago.

The beautiful harbour-side garden, located just inside Portsmouth Harbour, was also the place where families congregated to cheer their safe return.

Unfortunately, not all families were so lucky, their loved ones did not return and it is these people in particular the borough council wishes to contact and invite to attend the service on June 16.

Civic leaders hope many thousands of Falkland veterans will also attend and take part in a ceremonial march past.

Chief executive Malcolm Crocker said: "An open invitation is extended to all Falkland veterans to come along to the ceremony to take part and remember their comrades, but the real VIPs here, the people we believe should attend but who we can't contact, are those who lost loved ones.

"The mums and dads whose son didn't return, the wife and children who lost their husband and father, they are the ones who should be there," he added.

All those wishing to attend are asked to contact Sandra Bridge on 023 9254 5206.

Veterans wishing to take part should contact Derek "Smokey" Cole on 01329 317280. Smokey is also organising a Falklands re-union on Saturday, June 15.