A FALKLANDS veteran who took part in a parade of war heroes has said the anniversary is a good day to put bad dreams to bed.

Commander Bernie Bruen from Great Witley was one of 10,000 veterans and their families who took part in the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands in London on Sunday.

Mr Bruen, who served with the Fleet Clearance Diving Team as commanding officer, said: "The day will bring closure for many veterans and put bad dreams to bed. They'll realise they are not alone and things aren't as bad as they sometimes seem."

The day recognised the service and sacrifice of those who took part in the Falklands campaign and told the story of the conflict through music, film and the recollections of individual veterans and their families.

After a parade on Horse Guards Parade veterans marched proudly down the Mall to the Queen Victoria Memorial where the Prince of Wales took the salute.

A tri-service flypast of 49 aircraft representing the squadrons that flew in 1982 paid their own tribute to the veterans.

The day's events also honoured the memories of the 255 British servicemen and 650 Argentines who lost their lives in the conflict.

Veterans' Minister Derek Twigg said: "It is important that we never forget the achievements and actions of our armed forces' veterans, who have given us so much in every conflict we have encountered. They remind us of the value of service and sacrifice."

Meanwhile Peter Steele and Chris Holt, both from Worcester, also joined the parade.

Both were barmen aboard the SS Canberra - a requisitioned cruise liner converted into a troop carrier during the war.

The men got to meet Tony Blair, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew during the commemoration on Sunday but the highlight was meeting Margaret Thatcher.

Mr Steele, aged 49, from Waverley Street, off Bath Road, Worcester, said: "Margaret Thatcher was the main person. I shook her hand. That was like the finish of the war for me, meeting her. Everyone had a lot of respect for her. We all think the world of her.

Prince Andrew was a real laugh and we got congratulations from Tony Blair and Prince Charles."

Both men remember the famous banner draped across the ship by troops - Canberra cruises where QE2 refuses", a thank you by soldiers to the staff who were risking their lives alongside them."