Locals young and old looked on as veterans marched through Chorley town centre to the Falklands Memorial Stone, by the war memorial in Astley Park, where a service was conducted by the Rector of Chorley, Rev Dr John Cree.

Led by mounted police and the Royal Artillery Band, both retired and serving soldiers took part in yesterday's parade.

Representatives from the Welsh Guards, Royal British Legion, Territorial Army and Salerno Company of the Lancashire Army Cadet force also attended.

Veteran Paul Hutchinson, 49, from Leadale Road, Leyland, was in the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment and fought on Mount Longdon.

He paid an emotional visit to the Falklands last year with the mothers of two men who were killed in the Falklands.

He said: "When they play the Last Post I always hang my head, I can't look at anybody. I remember every face, every name, every joke we have ever cracked. I can see them laughing and smiling and I know they have gone."

Speaking of the parade, Mr Hutchinson added: "It gives me a great sense of pride and I feel I have got to make sure nobody ever forgets them."

Michael Barnett and Kevin Dick, who were both in the Royal Artillery 12 Airforce Defence Regiment, travelled from Scunthorpe and Grimsby to attend the parade.

Michael, 46, lost his hand in an explosion during the conflict, days before his 21st birthday.

He said: "For me personally it's respect for those who didn't come back. Although I lost my hand and had an injury, there's far worse people off."

Kevin, 44, who went to the Falklands last year on the 25th anniversary pilgrimage, added: "It's about respect, and it's belonging as well."

Former leading marine engineering mechanic Ben Salter, 59, of Ribbleton Hall Drive, Ribbleton, served on the HMS Minerva during the conflict.
He said: "You very often think about the ones that never came back."

Eileeen, Sharples, 74, of Hamilton Road, Chorley, was watching the parade with one of her grandchildren and said she was proud of the community spirit shown through such commemorative events.

Brothers Matthew and Tyler Holland, aged eight and five, were with mum Joanne to watch their aunt Angela, who is in the TA, take part in the parade.

Joanne, of Heapey Road, Chorley, said: "Whenever they are doing a parade we always come and watch."

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