SWANSEA paid tribute to Britain's armed forces yesterday, with Reverend Canon Andrew Vessey declaring: "This is the right thing to do."

Mr Vessey led a special service at St Mary's Church on the weekend that Britain paused to mark Armed Forces Day.

"This is what our nation needs to do, and many of you want to be part of that," he said.

He acknowledged the courage of veterans and serving personnel, those who nursed the casualties of war, the ongoing work of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association), the needs of the widowed and orphaned, and those who helped with the integration of returning troops.

"Thus we hold in our prayers today the wider world, all who are still immersed in conflict, those who endure appalling crimes against humanity and the innocent, those who wear the uniform of war in order to establish freedom and bring about reconciliation between all humanity, whatever our colour and creed," he said.

His thoughts were echoed by the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, D Byron Lewis, and the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, Rowland Jones.

"It's important for us to recognise the armed forces, both past and present, and their families for the sacrifice they make in defending our country and our principles," Mr Lewis told the Post.

Members of the Sea Cadets and Air Training Corps attended yesterday's service, bearing a number of standards. On Saturday, thousands of people lined the streets of Cardiff as troops marched from the city castle to Cardiff Bay.

richard.youle@swwmedia.co.uk