The parade culminated in a moving service at Blackpool's war memorial.

The march, which was led by the Poulton band, began in South Shore at 4.30pm.

Dignitaries from the group laid wreaths at the memorial before holding a minute's silence.

It took place on the first day of the 86th national conference of the women's section which has attracted more than 1,500 delegates to the resort.

Claire Gregory, liaison secretary for the section, said: "We are not just remembering those who gave their lives in the first and second world war's but also those involved in conflicts today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We are working to get better rights for the men and women who are in our services.

"It is very important to remember those who have gone into conflict for us."

Colonel Mike Bowles, MBA, a Falklands veteran who served in the Army for 34 years, had earlier told delegates about returning back to the islands with 250 veterans from 1982.

Issues

The Right Rev Nigel McCulloch, the Bishop of Manchester, will today be addressing the conference, which is being held at the Winter Gardens.

Patricia Valler, chairman of the women's section, said the event would be used to tackle important issues.

She said: "This year we have seen an increase in the welfare support provided to the families of serving and ex-service personnel. We are always looking to increase this support."