ONLY a slight breeze ruffled the calm of the morning as the people of Portland gathered at the cenotaph to honour their war dead.

The calm was in sharp contrast to the turbulence of the present day world and the thoughts of most in the bigger than usual crowd gathered on the Heights strayed to the events of September 11th and the situation in Afghanistan.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Eric Mitchell whose prayers, while honouring the dead, were for concorde among world leaders and peace on earth.

Amid the muted silence, the emotive Exhortation was spoken by Portland RBL president George Luker and responded to with feeling by all present.

Weymouth Concert Brass provided peaceful music for the hymns and Portland Salvation Army bugler Fred Caines sounded the Last Post and Reveille as he has done for many years.

Standard bearers of Portland Royal British Legion branch and women's section, Portland Royal Naval Association, scouts, cubs, beavers, rainbows and brownies flanked the cenotaph.

Town mayor Coun Chris McGown led the procession of dignitaries, accompanied by the Revd Mitchell, George Luker, Muriel Doney, chairman of RBL women's section and South Dorset MP Jim Knight.

There was no armed forces' presence on this occasion but they were well represented by members of their associations.

There were also large contingents of cadets from TS Penn and Portland Army Cadet Force present,

Town and borough councillors were also present along with representatives from Court Leet and the island's uniformed and civilian organisations.

As the crowd dispersed, the cenotaph was ablaze with the vivid red of the poppy wreaths placed in a procession led by Coun McGown.

Wreaths were also laid by Jim Knight, Court Leet, Mr Luker and Mrs Doney, representatives of RNA and RAFA, TS Penn, Portland ACF, RAOB, Dorset Police, Dorset Fire Service, HMP The Verne, Portland Young Offender Institution, HMP The Weare and other organisations.

As the crowds lessened, those with their own private memories placed their individual tokens of remembrance.

The RBL service of remembrance was held in the evening at All Saints Church, Easton where the address was given by RC priest Father John Webb.