SERVICEMEN past and present and scores of civilians joined together to pay their respects to "The Few" at York's Battle of Britain remembrance service.

The York Minster service commemorates the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and the role women played in war.

The march, to the Minster, was led by the 110 City of York Air Training Corps Band, who were followed to the Minster by veterans from various air force associations.

Standards were borne by the Royal Air Force Association, the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, the Royal Observer Corps Association, the Aircrew Association, the Air Gunners Association, and 110 City of York ATC.

York's civic party, including the Lord Mayor, Coun David Horton, and Sheriff, Coun Martin Brumby, watched the parade and took the salute from the Minster steps, in Minster Yard.

The salute was also taken by Group Captain Ken Cornfield, station commander at RAF Linton-on-Ouse.

The sermon was delivered by Monsignor Tom Devany, while a page in the RAF Book of Remembrance and Honour was turned by Regional Commandant of the ATC, William Gambold.

Secretary of the RAFA York Branch, Ray Kidd, said yesterday's service was a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in the Battle of Britain.

He said: "It was an excellent day. The march went well and the service was conducted in just the right atmosphere.

"The day was to remember the ground crews as well as the air crews, although it is the case that most of those who perished were air crew.

"We owe those that fought or played any part in that battle a great debt, it is only right they are remembered in this way."

The Battle of Britain, in September 1940, saw the RAF defeat the Nazi air force, or Luftwaffe, despite being hugely outnumbered.

Their heroics, which prevented an early German invasion of Britain, led Churchill to name them "The Few".

Updated: 11:45 Monday, September 16, 2002