SERVING soldiers from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) marched down the streets of Petersfield on Remembrance Sunday to pay their respects to fallen war heroes.

More than 100 troops who returned from active service in Afghanistan last year, and who are due to return for another tour of duty in 2009, took part in the parade.

They joined hundreds of people from the town to remember those who died in two world wars and more recent conflicts. It also marked the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The morning of remembrance started with prayers at the town's Far East Memorial and wreath laying outside the Town Hall, in Heath Road, before the REME representatives marched from the Swan Street car park to an open-air service in The Square led by the vicar of St Peter's Church, Reverend Giles Harris-Evans.

"It was an excellent day and a fantastic turnout," said Commander Clive Lewis, chairman of the Petersfield branch of the British Legion.

"I would like to say a big thank you to all the Petersfield people who supported it, it was incredible."

The High Street, he said, was "packed solid" and in places up to four or five deep.

"There was a great deal of support and a tremendous contribution by the Air Training Corps, Churcher's Combined Cadet Force, the Cubs, Brownies, Scouts, and the Salvation Army Band," continued Cdr Lewis.

"The band was brilliant. They not only played during the march to the memorial, but also for the outdoor service in The Square," he added.

And he said a collection after the service had raised a magnificent £1,373 which would be donated to the Poppy Appeal.

"It was a memorable event in the history of Petersfield," said Cdr Lewis.

The service was followed by a procession down the High Street to the war memorial for the two-minute silence and laying of wreaths – the first on behalf of the town by Petersfield mayor Vaughan Clarke.

Other wreaths were laid on behalf of REME, Michael Mates, East Hampshire MP; Petersfield Rotary Club; East Hampshire District Council; The Petersfield School; Petersfield British Legion; St Laurence Church; Petersfield Scouts; and The Salvation Army.

Also laying wreathes were representatives from Liss and District Royal Naval Association, Petersfield Girl Guides, Chrucher's College Combined Cadet Force, Hampshire Police, Portsmouth Loyal Orange Institution, and 1927 Petersfield Squadron Air Cadets.

A reception for soldiers and their families followed in the Festival Hall.

British Legion representatives are hoping to reach their target for the Poppy Appeal, with £15,000 already raised and more to come.

Proceeds of a performance of Fauré's Requiem by the combined choirs of Churcher's College and St Peter's Church, which took place in St Peter's on Tuesday, is expected to swell the funds further.

"This was a particularly poignant year and it is important to remember that the Poppy Appeal is actually a contribution to the living, those that come back injured, and those who need it," concluded Cdr Lewis.

Acts of remembrance also took place at St Mary's Church, Liss, and at other villages in and around Petersfield.