HUNDREDS of veterans and 600 cadets joined forces to pay their respects to wartime heroes past and present for the annual veterans festival parade.

Sunshine bathed Weymouth beach yesterday as crowds gathered to pay their respects.

The event marked the 50th anniversary of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) in Weymouth and the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Forces, the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Forces.

The haunting sound of a lone bugler playing the Last Post drifted out across the assembled ranks of the veterans associations, military bands and assembled dignitaries, as a minute’s silence was held to remember their fallen comrades from campaigns across Europe, the Far East, Korea and the Middle East.

After the national anthem was sung, the cadet forces led the parade along the beachfront to the Pavilion.

As the sun beat down on the groups, St John Ambulance and beach patrols worked tirelessly, handing out water and caring for those you had collapsed from the heat.

St John Ambulance co-ordinator Julie Dean said: “We had our ambulance and eight first aiders yesterday. It was hot so we had eight or nine collapses.”

Paramedic cyclist Matt Care said: “I have treated four people and one of them was taken to hospital.”

People had travelled miles to attend the event.

Doris Sanders, 70, from Watford, visited with husband Maurice, who paraded with the RNA.

She said: “It was very good. It brings a tear to my eye. We’ve got to remember the veterans – we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”

Bryn Chard, 84, travelled from Cardiff with fellow veteran Bill Richards, 80.

Mr Chard, who joined the Royal Navy in 1943, said: “It was fantastic.

“It makes me very proud.”

Mr Richards, a former stoker on HMS Indefatigable, said: “I think it’s excellent. To meet people who were there in my day means you can talk about old times and reminisce. They’re all great guys.”

He added: “The cadets were out of this world, they seem to be so dedicated to the services.”

Weymouth detachment army cadet commander Annette Geyser, 37, said the cadet forces taught young people team work and initiative and gave them confidence in themselves.

She said: “As an instructor it gives you such a sense of pride in the young ones. It’s nice to see the youth of today involved and it makes you very proud.”

Meanwhile on Saturday, historic military vehicles and re-enactment group members helped to set the scene, while visitors were treated to a beach assault and bridge building demonstration.

The 35 Territorial Army (TA) soldiers arrived in boats, made their way onto the beach with much gun fire, tackled ‘insurgents’ dressed as pirates and then built a seven-metre bridge across a trench in the sand.

The soldiers prepared for the exercise at Wyke Regis Training Area (WRTA).

Warrant officer Anthony Cowburn, of the Royal Engineers, based at WRTA, said the third beach assault he had led was the ‘slickest’ of the three. He said: “The amount of calories used up by the soldiers was the equivalent of them running a half marathon.”

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Paul Kimber said: “The dedication and work the soldiers put in is absolutely superb. I must give credit, as a former serviceman, for the work – their fitness levels are amazing.”

Around 50 historic military vehicles lined up in front of the Pavilion and took part in a procession to Portland Castle.

Second World War Land Girl Julie Shields and ‘London evacuee’ Morgan Love, aged 10, of Chickerell, were among the members of Portland Garrison re-enactment group encouraging visitors to the 1940s Day at Portland Castle.

Faydra Mitchell and her three-year-old daughter Isobel visited from Kent to celebrate a family birthday and were delighted it coincided with the veterans festival.

Mrs Mitchell, 35, said: “It’s brilliant – it couldn’t have been better.”