HUNDREDS of people paid tribute to our armed forces in Winchester this week.

Crowds lined to watch members of all three armed services march through the High Street on Monday (June 24) to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

Accompanied by a military band made up from The Rifles and The Adjutant General’s Corp, they finished at the Great Hall for a flag raising ceremony, where the parade was inspected by Dame Mary Fagan, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.

Several Hampshire dignitaries attended including Winchester Mayor Ernie Jeffs and MP Steve Brine, while children from all three city secondary schools and Harestock, Weeke, St Bede and St Peter’s primary schools greeted the troops with cheers and flag-waving.

Dame Mary said: “As we continue to celebrate the commitment of Her Majesty The Queen during the 60th anniversary of her coronation, we can also remember the commitment of all who serve in the regular forces and the reservists.

“Many of them will serve abroad and many will be in personal danger. They are highly trained professional men and women, whose courage we honour today.”

Group Captain Paul O’Neill, of Worthy Down barracks, who was overseeing the parade, added: “When you go away on operations and you are putting your life on the line for your country, it’s really important to know that society supports you and will look after your family when you leave them behind.”

Earlier the band entertained crowds at The Buttercross monument with a short concert.

But instead of playing traditional tunes, they got the crowd moving with hit songs like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Who Are You by The Who.

It was a special occasion for one lucky girl as the band played Happy Birthday for her.