THE ANCHOR Inn at Lower Froyle, near Alton, paid its own tribute to war veterans on Armistice Day with a lunch.

About 40 members of the Royal British Legion (RBL) from across the area, including Bordon, Liss, Alresford, Alton, Farnham and Basingstoke, enjoyed a three-course meal in the newly-refurbished pub's dining room as guests of the owners.

The event was a personal thank you from Ashley Levett, Andy Clarke and Lucy Townsend of The Miller's Collection, to the RBL for its work, and for the sacrifices made by servicemen especially those who perished or were injured in the two world wars and those who have served in conflicts since, including Afghanistan and Iraq.

Mr Levett said: "The idea behind the lunch is that because there are so many charities that are well-supported and raising money in this country for overseas causes, I think it's important to support the Royal British Legion at this time.

"They do wonderful work for ex-servicemen and for current servicemen, and I think it's important to recognise what our veterans in this country have done for us."

"As a baby boomer, I have lived almost without conflict save for a few, and have lived in a very safe and stable environment and that was only courtesy of these selfless people."

Mr Levett said the mood of the general public had changed in recent years.

He said: "It's more poignant now because people are losing people they know and when you see the photos and film of servicemen dead and disabled, it hits home and you are more appreciative of what they've done."

Steve Johnson from Bordon, who joined the Army in 1946 and served in Aden, Japan and Christmas Island, said he was pleased that the general public wants to remember the contribution made by the services,

And Derek Sweetham from Alresford, chairman of the town's RAF Association and vice-president of the Hampshire Region, said: "This is tremendous and very generous. It's lovely to get together."

He said he was pleased that at long last the importance of the forces is coming home to people.

"It's a very difficult job, and they are very professional people," said Mr Sweetham.

The veterans were treated to soup, roast beef and spotted dick with custard, served by eight businessman who had paid a donation to the RBL for the privilege of serving the war heroes

Mr Levett hopes to make it an annual event.