A BELATED Remembrance Day service held at a Swindon cemetery yesterday gave those young and old the chance to pay their tribute to fallen heroes.

The service was held at the Radnor Street cemetery after a number of honoured guests pulled out last Sunday due to ill heath.

It was a fitting setting as more than 100 graves belonging to Swindon service personnel of the First and Second World Wars rest on the site.

Members of the 18th Swindon Scout group placed a poppy attached to a small cross on the war memorial of sacrifice.

While Tidworth Officer Terry Gidzinski, of the King’s Royal Hussars, Deputy Swindon Mayor Coun Rex Barnett and former mayor Coun Steve Wakefield laid wreaths and flowers on the cross.

Mr Gidzinski, 20, who served in Afghanistan last year and is due to be stationed in the Falklands in February, said: “I’ve been to services like this before but have never laid a wreath.

“It was an honour to be part of it.”

A two-minute silence was also observed by the 100 people who attended.

The bugle was played by Derek Webb.

Deacon Dennis Sutton led the fifth service of its kind at the Radnor Street chapel, which was built in 1881.

He said: “This is a civic event that ensures those who fought for their country and who lived in this town will never be forgotten.

“The soldiers repatriated through Wootton Bassett from RAF Lyneham also remind us of the constant troubles.”

Hymns Abide With Me and Jerusalem were sung by St Mark’s choir along with the congregation during the 30-minute service.

War poem Flanders Fields was read by Scout Max Curtis,14, from Old Town.

The Ridgeway School pupil said: “It makes me sad to think there are conflicts out there where soldiers are being killed by other men.

“When you lay the cross it really makes you stop and think.”

George Platt, from the Stratton St Margaret Royal British Legion, said: “It was a very moving service and was lovely to see so many kids.”

Coun Barnett said: “It’s important to remember those people who have lost their lives. Without them we wouldn’t be here.

“We must also remember today’s heroes as well.”