War veterans paraded through Maidstone town centre

They were cheered along the route by more than 1,000 children waving Union flags handed out by Maidstone Borough Council, which organised the parade.

A thanksgiving service at All Saints Church followed Thursday's march, which ended at the Archbishop's Palace.

A concert of wartime big band classics followed in Lockmeadow Town Square.

'Commit atrocities'

The parade was forming as the bombs which hit London's transport network were causing devastation in the capital.

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett, said: "There is no way that we and the marvellous veterans are going to be cowed by the actions of those who commit such atrocities.

"The county town did a wonderful job in organising today's parade, thanksgiving service and party for the World War II veterans from both the Fighting Forces and the Home Front.

"It was particularly good to see so many schoolchildren out cheering the veterans."