WAR veterans gathered to pay their respects and bow their heads at the 201st anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Sixty pensioners came from across London and Kent to mark the famous battle at the remembrance service at the East Greenwich Pleasaunce, off Chevening Road.

The park is the burial site of more than 3,000 sailors.

After a short service conducted by the Rev Derek Clacey, of Christchurch, Trafalgar Road, the veterans laid wreaths and stood silently while the Last Post was played.

Members of Friends of the Pleasaunce, a group set up in March to preserve the park's history, were on hand to provide tea, hot toddies and cakes.

The group's secretary Kate Powling said: "We were glad to be able to help out on what was a moving occasion.

"We're looking for more members to help celebrate the Pleasaunce's 150th birthday next June."

For information, visit fegp.typepad.com