MORE than 1,200 people packed into Winchester Cathedral yesterday to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

Among the dignitaries to attend Hampshire County First World War Centenary Service were Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel and the Army’s Commander Land Forces Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Carter along with the principal guest, Dame Mary Fagan, the county’s Lord-Lieutenant.

The service started with a fanfare of silver bugles played by the Band and Bugles of the Rifles with prayers led by the Armed Forces Chaplain General, Reverend Jonathan Woodhouse.

In a poignant close to the service, a lone piper from 19 Regiment, Royal Artillery (The Scottish Gunners) led a procession of Hampshire young people and cadets.