GENERATIONS of local people came together yesterday to remember the suffering of veterans at the annual parade at Risca.

The British Nuclear Test Veterans parade is held on the first Sunday of October, to remember soldiers affected by nuclear testing on Christmas Island in 1953.

The soldiers were joined by youngsters of all ages to honour those who lost their lives.

And yesterday veteran William Smith said: "There are people I know that should be alive today, who died when they were 18 years of age.

"I have the greatest respect in the world for the people who gave their lives for this country.

"There's no greater thing than to have served with them."

Councillor Stan Jenkins organises the parade each year. He said: "These soldiers should be remembered for the suffering they endured with the testing of the nuclear bomb on Christmas Island in 1953.

"We will keep the pressure on all the time, and one day the government will agree there was suffering caused."

The event has been held since 1994. Taking part yesterday were the 5th Risca Scout group, the Risca St John Ambulance group, the TS Twmbarlwm Sea Cadets, the Risca Air Training Core and the Risca branch of the Scottish Legion.

The Reverend John Blackburn conducted the service. He said: "What's good about this parade is that it's across all the age groups.

"There seems to be a resurgence of interest and sympathy with the generation involved in the war."

Irene James, AM for Islwyn, said after the parade: "It's so very important that we remember all these people who gave their lives so we can sit here and enjoy our freedom."

Councillor Jenkins added: "We must say thank you to everyone, especially to Kelsey-Jane Vaux from Risca, who played the trumpet for us. She stepped in at the last minute and did very well."

Kelsey-Jane, 11, who plays in the Cross Keys Silver Band, only got her music on Friday.