VETERANS from across the region met in Malvern this weekend to pay their respects to the fallen.

A special service to remember the Falklands War, held at Great Malvern Priory, was attended by veterans from Malvern, Worcester and Tewkesbury on June 12.

Members of the armed forces community from around the region took part, laying wreaths and carrying flags. 

District and county councillor Martin Allen took part in the ceremony, calling it an "honour".

He said: "I had the great honour of attending the memorial service at the Priory in Malvern on Sunday.

Malvern Gazette: MOVING: The Falklands Memorial Service in MalvernMOVING: The Falklands Memorial Service in Malvern

"For me the conflict forty years ago will feel like it was only yesterday, sometimes a sound or smell takes me right back there.

"I and the other veterans present today are determined that those who died, or who are still fighting this and other battles are not forgotten."

The service was led by Reverend Rod Corke from Malvern Priory and was arranged by Peter Storry and Bill Stowe from the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club of Malvern.

The two men helped organise the service on Sunday, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the end of the war in 1982.

Before the meeting, Mr Storry said: "The Reverend Rod Corke from the Priory is 'our' chaplain as a group, so we had a meeting with him and agreed it would be right to do something to mark the anniversary, particularly as we have veterans in our area who served in that campaign."

The breakfast clubs were originally set up in Hull by two former soldiers. Since then, dozens have been set up across the country, with Malvern's group meeting monthly at the Foley Arms Hotel for breakfast.

Malvern Gazette: ENTRANCE: The flag bearers entering Malvern PrioryENTRANCE: The flag bearers entering Malvern Priory

Also involved was town mayor Cllr Nick Houghton, who paid tribute to the many Worcestershire residents who fought in the Falklands.

He said: "It was my great honour and privilege to attend the Falklands Memorial Service.

"I heard firsthand from a number of veterans of their personal stories.

"For such a short conflict, many lives were lost and this service was to remember them."

Cllrs Allen and Houghton were also joined by district council vice-chair Barbara Jones-Williams and district councillor Andrea Morgan.