THE first day of spring was greeted with a special, but informal visit to Romsey by two Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

They had been unable to attend the official unveiling of the WW1 Poppy Memorial, carved by local resident Caroline Dear, last November due to prior duties.

But the pair were able to experience the carving in a visit to Romsey earlier this week.

The veterans were also shown the War Horse statue, Romsey Abbey and Choice Plants.

Romsey Town Mayor Jon Parker joined the pair along with a group of local residents for the tour.

The Pensioners’ scarlet coats and shiny medals attracted the attention of many people who posed for pictures with the pair.

After the tour the Chelsea Pensioners were greeted by members of the Royal British Legion, in what Caroline descried as a meeting of old friends not seen for years.