HUNDREDS gathered at Hereford Cathedral to pay their respects to those who died during the Falklands War.

More than 700 people enjoyed a concert by the Band of the Royal Marines Plymouth on Saturday evening to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands.

There were 27 men with links to the county who lost their lives in the conflict, including 19 members of the Special Forces, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash.

The concert also remembered the loss of Hereford’s affiliated ship, HMS ANTELOPE.

As well as members of the public the audience included veterans of the conflict and family members of those killed in action.

Chairman of the South Atlantic Medal Association, Gordon Mather, a veteran of the war, read the names of the fallen while the band played the music to Elgar’s Nimrod.

Another Falkland’s veteran was Rear Admiral Philp Wilcocks, chairman of the concert organising committee.

He said: “It was an extremely powerful evening with a fabulous mix of music and, of course, for many there were memories from 35 years ago.

"The band was excellent and the people of Herefordshire turned out in their hundreds and gave them a truly enthusiastic welcome. I would like to thank everyone who supported this brilliant and successful event."

Proceeds from the evening will go to two military charities; SSAFA, the armed forces charity, and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.