CROWDS lined a Hampshire city’s streets for a grand celebration of the county's armed forces today.

The ceremony started in Winchester High Street, though a drizzly start meant the scheduled performance at the Buttercross by The Band of the Royal Logistic Corps was moved to outside of the Great Hall.

But that didn't stop the contingent of around 50 service personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and the RAF from marching up the High Street.

When they arrived at the hall scores of schoolchildren clapped, cheered and waved their patriotic flags, jostling playfully to get a closer look.

The band gave a rousing performance before Dean of Winchester, the Very Revd James Atwell, read a biblical extract and prayed.

Dressed in his finery Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, addressed the public, councillors, military personnel and dignitaries.

"Today is a very important occasion in the life of our county and all over Hampshire flags will be raised in honour and support of our armed forces," he said.

The ceremony marks the start of Armed Forces Week, and the flag will be flown for the remainder of the week, culminating in Armed Forces Day on Saturday June 27.