Ref. 25589-71HUNDREDS of people plus military and civic dignitaries joined Swindon Korean War veterans in an open-air church service at the Cenotaph yesterday.

The service commemorated the 50th anniversary of the ceasefire on July 27, 1953.

The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston, and Swindon mayor Derek Benfield joined around 50 veterans from the Swindon and North Wiltshire branch of the British Korean War Veterans association in the wreath-laying and church service.

Jack Howard, from Penhill, secretary of the Swindon branch and organiser of the event, said: "I am very pleased with the whole event, and lots of people stopped to watch the ceremony."

John Beauchamp, from Wootton Bassett, is the standard bearer for the Swindon and North Wiltshire Branch. He said: "I am very pleased the service was held. I am amazed at the number of people who turned up."

Today, Jack and John will join hundreds of Korean War veterans from across the country in a special parade in London to be attended by the Queen.