HALF a million red poppies fell from the sky as a World War Two bomber plane flew over a Southampton park in an emotional and moving tribute to D-Day veterans.

Bathed in brilliant sunshine, the proud veterans sitting in rows of chairs with their medals glistening took centre stage at the city's commemoration in Mayflower Park.

Military top brass, the mayor of Southampton Parvin Damani, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Mary Fagan and the rector of Southampton Ian Johnson attended the ceremony as well as hundreds of others who wanted to pay their respects.

Some of the veterans could be seen dabbing away a tear as a spitfire roared past and an American B-17 Flying Fortress dropped 500,000 poppies over the Solent.

Former paratrooper Martin Mulvihill, 89, of Shirley, Southampton, who was one of the first to reinforce the vital Pegasus Bridge, attended the ceremony with his family.

He said: "It just brings back so many memories, especially of people who aren't here. It's nice to be here with my family and I would like to go over to Normandy again when all the fuss has died down."

Gerald Murphy, 77, who served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, travelled from America to be at the event.

The former sailor, who is originally from Southampton, said: "It was a simple service but brilliant. It really brought back memories and the Spitfire was really special because of its links with the city."

Fitting military pomp came from the band of the adjutant General's Corps, while rows of Army, Navy and RAF cadets stood to attention for the hour-long sweltering service.

The crowd was transported back to 1944 with the music of Vera Lynn and an old BBC radio broadcast that dramatically announced "D-Day has come".

Cllr Damani told the crowd: "Local people played an important part in the operation.

"Factory workers produced munitions and landing craft, shipyard workers refitted and repaired or built many of the vehicles used and dockyard workers in the port kept it running.

"I would like you all to remember that without the suffering of so many you may not be here today. So many were affected by these events and we owe so much to those who played a part."

Leading prayers the Rev Ian Johnson said: "We give thanks to God for all who gave their lives and we pray for their families."

Afterwards a giant four engined B-17 bomber that saw action in the Second World War flew into view and rained the poppies into the Solent.

Its fighter escort, a Spitfire Mark V, wowed crowds as the famous aeroplane, which was designed and built in the city, performed a loop in honour of the veterans.

The service came to a close with the veterans forming ranks behind the military band and marching off to cheers from the gathered crowd. Bringing up the rear were the young faces of the cadets.

Linda Morgan, 35, a housewife from Winchester, brought her two young children, Simon, five, and Mathew, seven, to the service.

She said: "I just wanted to come and pay my respects really. I felt it was important to bring the kids to educate them about D-Day. It has been a lovely day, just the right balance between celebration and remembrance."

Her son Mathew said: "It's really interesting to find out about D-Day. I've really enjoyed myself and I wasn't expecting to. The aeroplanes were brilliant!"

IT worker James Vickery, 39, from Sholing, Southampton, said: "I came here today to remember my dad who died recently but took part in D-Day. It was a very emotional service."

D-DAY - 60 YEARS ON: 16-pages of reports and pictures saluting the heroes of 1944 in today's Daily Echo.