HUNDREDS lined the pavements of York in the baking heat as the former Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd, saluted veteran Ack Ack girls who defended Britain during the Second World War.

The retiring Speaker, who is patron of the York-based Women of World War Two campaign, applauded non-stop as more than 100 women war veterans trooped past her, wearing their medals with pride.

And members of the public were clearly delighted at her presence, cheering and clapping and even, at one point, imitating her famous cry of "Order!", which from now on will be uttered by her successor.

The women, who come from Britain, the USA and Canada, are former members of the Auxiliary Training Service (ATS) who served with the Royal Artillery on anti-aircraft guns sites between 1939 and 1945.

As the parade wound round the corner from Deangate, Miss Boothroyd stood waving at the crowds from the steps of the Minster.

With her were the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund, and other dignitaries, paying tribute to the women at the end of their annual reunion.

The parade was led by the Royal Artillery Band, with a number of the women being pushed in wheelchairs.

Afterwards Miss Boothroyd, who still has a full diary of official events despite hanging up her Speaker's robes, was whisked off for a private lunch with the veterans.

The veterans enjoyed a variety of entertainment over the weekend, including music from a jazz band and old time dancing.

Major David Robertson, of Imphal Barracks, York, who helped former Ack Ack girls, Mildred Veal, from York, and Edna Storr, from Selby, start up the campaign for a memorial, said: "Miss Boothroyd thinks it's tremendous and she's absolutely thrilled to pieces to be with us today.

"She's so committed that she's got a very busy programme up until November, after which she will have time to become even more involved with this campaign.

"She's said retirement will be retirement, but of course she will see us to our end."

Earlier this year, the women heard that they had won their campaign to get a national memorial which will be erected in London. They have raised more than £90,000 towards their goal of £100,000.

Major Robertson was in London today meeting Government officials and having a look at possible sites for the tribute.

He added: "Miss Boothroyd has been tremendous help in fundraising and trying to get a position for the memorial in London.

"It's looking good but we've a way to go yet."

PICTURE: Former Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd, left, and the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Shan Braund, see the Ack Ack girls march past