Hundreds gathered in the centre of Petersfield to commemorate Remembrance Sunday in what is believed to have been a record turnout. 

Armed Forces personnel, Veterans, the Town Council, youth groups, organisations, the local community and others were out in full force to pay their respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Kicking off proceedings was a band from Churcher’s College, followed by the Parade to The Square and the service being led by The Rev’d Canon Will Hughes.

He said: “We come to remember and give thanks for those who gave their lives in hope of peace, justice, freedom, in hope. For it was hope that held them and gave them courage and a hope that the world can and should and must be better.

“We know that hope grows primarily from individual people, from the people whose names are on our memorial, people from our town, our streets, our shops and people in whose place we now stand.

“As we commemorate their courage and the hope that held them, we know that we have a part in that journey too.”

The service included readings by mayor Cllr Lesley Farrow and David Lodrick, president of the town’s Royal British Legion branch.

Following the first part of the service, participants then marched down to the war memorial for the sounding of the Last Post, the two-minute silence and reading of the Roll of Honour. 

Local MP Damian Hinds commented: “I think the turnout is amazing and it's great to see so many kids involved.”

St Peter’s Church band of bell ringers, had the honour of ringing half-muffled bells on the Sunday and the remaining band rang their tribute to the fallen at the Monday evening practice on Armistice Day.

Remembrance commemorations also took place in Clanfield, Horndean, Liss and West Meon, amongst others.