HUNDREDS across Hampshire saluted military heroes of the past who laid down their lives for their country.

Young and old united for a series of events marking VE Day and DDay celebrations held in venues across the county.

Vintage military vehicles and cars lined the streets of Southwick as villagers stepped back in time to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Locals and visitors dressed in 1940s era revival style clothes while stationed by army jeeps, field guns and motor cars.

People could also sample a special VE Day ale brewed especially for the occasion by Suthwyk Ales while an exhibition of wartime life in the village was displayed in St James Church.

Later in the evening more than 200 people attended a Revival Dance with traditional music played by The Three Belles 1940s group.

The 1940s style-clothing was also in vogue at the Dancing Man Pub in Town Quay, Southampton.

Staff there dressed in World War II uniforms throughout their 1940s Roll out the Barrell themed-weekend.

Photographer Tony Martin displayed an exhibition of D Day memorials there while veterans also attended the pub to share their stories with punters.

Music from the period was also played.

Pub general manager Christina Joy said: "The staff loved dressing up - it really got the punters talking.

"It was nice to meet some of the soldiers and it is very fitting because back then you would have been able to see the soldiers getting into the boats from the pub on the shoreline.

"We've had a lot of comments from customers."