PETERSFIELD Royal British Legion chairman Clive Lewis has praised the young people who took part in this year’s Remembrance service and parade in the town.

Commander Lewis, RN retired, said: “The town should be very proud of the youngsters, whose average age was probably about 17, they were outstanding.

“Churcher’s College Combined Cadet Force, Petersfield Air Cadets, all the different Scouting and Guiding groups, Hampshire Youth Council members and the school students, were fantastic.

“Bedales students collected £1,600 in buckets, which will go to the Poppy Appeal.

“I would like to thank them, and all the people of Petersfield, for their wonderful support.

“It was a truly memorable occasion, and the atmosphere was amazing, even though there wasn’t a detachment of troops leading the parade this year.

“East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds and Vice Admiral Sir David Steel attended and were very complimentary.”

The event began with an open air service in The Square led by Petersfield vicar, the Rev Will Hughes, followed by a parade to the war memorial in High Street for the reading of the Roll of Honour, two minutes’ silence and The Last Post and Reveille, sounded by former Churcher’s pupil Lucy Humphris.

As well as local dignitaries, veterans, representatives of the armed forces and related organisations, students from Petersfield schools also laid wreathes.

As did Graeme Moir, Post editor and chairman of Petersfield Town Football Club, who placed a wreath on behalf of the football club in memory of soldier Darren Chant, who played for Petersfield, but was killed in Afghanistan.