YOUNG and old paraded together yesterday before standing in silent tribute to the veterans affected by nuclear tests carried out more than four decades ago.

A parade to the war memorial and a service is held in Risca every year in recognition of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (South Wales Branch).

Ex-RAF serviceman Ian Powe, of the Royal British Legion, led the marchers who were led from Rifleman Street by the Rogerstone Scout band, included St John's Ambulance, the ACT and RBL representatives.

The Venerable John Blackburn spoke about the thousands of service men and women whose lives were marred by military service, not so much fighting for Queen and country but to keep the peace.

Cross Keys silver band played at the cenotaph where the moving service included the Last Post.

Wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Caerphilly mayor Cllr John Evans and Islwyn MP Don Touhig.

Gron Williams added a bouquet of flowers on behalf of all BNTV widows.

Thousands of servicemen were involved in the weapons testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.

Many later suffered serious health problems and earlier this year more than 1,000 men won the right to sue the government for compensation.

In 1993, when Cllr Stan Jenkins was mayor, he met one of the veterans of the Christmas Island tests (where many tests were carried out) and invited him to the parlour with some of his comrades.

Since then he has arranged the event on the first Sunday of every October.

"Once a year we try to get the message across of the suffering they went through, and are still going through, and their families."

He said it was about time the government recognised their cause and vowed the parade would continue "as long as I have breath in my body".