WHAT is believed to be the biggest Falklands War commemoration held in Dorset will be staged on Saturday.

Thousands of people will see veterans and servicemen, including the 40-strong Royal Marines band, march through Christchurch from 10am.

Organisers include Bill McAlester, who was a Royal Marine on Sappers Hill when Argentina surrendered 30 years ago today.

“We lost two men wounded by small by arms fire that day,” said Bill a former member of 40 Commando and chairman of the Christchurch and District Branch of SAMA82.

The parade starts at the Royal British Legion on Bargates and will include around 10 serving Royal Marines from the training centre at Lympstone in Devon.

Then there is a 10.55am service at Christchurch Priory led by the Bishop of Southampton and a family day on the Quomps with bands, children’s entertainment and more.

Bill said: “We are expecting around 20-30 local guys from the war in the parade. The council think there will be thousands of people watching. It will be great if there is a big turn-out. It shows that we are not quite the men from a forgotten war that we think we are.”

At least seven people from Dorset and the New Forest died before the islands were liberated.

Survivors include Captain Philip Roberts DSO from Moordown, who was commanding the Sir Galahad when it was bombed with the loss of 48 lives. Tickets for the 570-seat priory are available. Call Bill on 01202 478 622.