FORMER Royal Marine Commando Doug Marshall was among hundreds of veterans who came together to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War.

Mr Marshall, from Swindon, joined servicemen during yesterday's major televised event to commemorate fallen comrades and the achievements of British troops.who fought to liberate the South Atlantic islands from Argentina.

The sights, sounds and emotions of the campaign were evoked during the hour-long spectacle, which saw veterans and their families recall their experiences from the 1982 conflict.

Thousands of spectators filled stands lining Horse Guards Parade, in Whitehall, and applauded as each contingent of Falklands veterans and their modern day equivalents marched into the square.

Mr Marshall described the atmosphere as overwhelming.

The veteran served in the war aboard the Turbo Electric Vessel Canberra in June 1982.

The father-of-two said: "It has been really good. We have all being surprised at how many people came to watch the parade - they were here in their thousands.

"The atmosphere has been very buoyant. It is also another chance for the boys to get back together."

Mr Marshall, 47, who owns Crown Security And Fire, in Gorse Hill, also attended a ceremony at Lancaster House, in West London.

There he bumped into a former colleague Spike Pool - who he hasn't seen for 15 years and with whom he had served alongside in the Falklands and Northern Ireland.

Fellow Falklands' veterans Chris Spencer, of Highworth, and Harry Burgoyne, of Liden, were also at the ceremony.

The event, centred on a stage in the shape of the Falkland Isles, was surrounded by veterans, many of whom were wearing their medals pinned to their blazers.

In the audience were Defence Secretary Des Browne, the Duchess of Cornwall, Baroness Thatcher, who was the Prime Minister at the time of the conflict, and Falklands military commanders.

The Duke of York, who flew naval helicopters during the campaign, was among the guests, including the Prince of Wales.