SHIPPING enthusiasts from across the county came together for a celebration at Winchester Cathedral.

Hymns, speeches and musical interludes were all part of the annual Shipping Festival Service, which brought together generations of sailors.

A colour party, standard party and flag party brought colour to the event, carrying flags and icons up the aisle before leading the procession out at the end.

Hundreds of people packed into the cathedral for the event, which featured a sermon from Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester.

The Bishop discussed those who spend their lives at sea and the difficulties it can present.

Finally the Royal Navy prayer was read out before the band played the national anthem and a procession led the way out of the cathedral.

The Rev James Atwell, Dean of Winchester, said: “It’s a great pleasure to recognise Hampshire as a coastal county