All three armed forces marched united through London yesterday as part of the London Pride parade.

The British Army this year joined the Royal Navy and Air Force in relaxing the rules on uniformed soldiers taking part. The move marks the culmination of eight years of rapid liberalisation within the military after the ban on gay servicemen was lifted in 2000 by MP Geoff Hoon.

"It's been an emotional moment for most people," said army staff sergeant Lavinia Goddard. "To be able to unite your job and your personal life finally feels wonderful. We're not there yet but attitudes are changing fast," she said.

The new orders allowed servicemen to wear full military uniform, but decorum was strictly enforced yesterday. Whistles, banners and decorations were not allowed. The units marched in neat formation amongst revellers, avoiding eye contact with the public.

Last year Sir Richard Dannat, head of the Army, provoked criticism when he barred servicemen and women from wearing anything which identified them as soldiers at the march. The decision to compromise this year allowed soldiers to attend the parade in uniform but not after parties.

Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, who met Gordon Brown yesterday to discuss gay bullying, said: "It's a historic moment but there's lots more still to do. We were delighted to have the opportunity to talk through forthcoming legislative proposals with the Prime Minister. He offered his full support to the work we've been doing on homophobic bullying."

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) last year issued an open apology to all servicemen and women who suffered persecution and discrimination before the ban was lifted in 2000.

Prior to that time, homosexuals faced dismissal if their sexuality was discovered.

"I was offered a place prior to the ban being lifted but refused because I didn't feel right in myself about it," said Flight Lieutenant Ali Brookes. "People thought the sky would fall in when the ban was lifted but the silence was deafening. It's been wonderful. I now have family quarters with my partner and we have full rights.

"The atmosphere has changed enormously," she said. "I actually think the services are very appealing for gay people."

Some have criticised the MoD for positive discrimination after it emerged that servicemen and women were being offered free travel to attend the march at taxpayers' expense. An estimated 500,000 marched through London's West End, waving placards and accompanied by colourful floats.

Boris Johnson walked at the front of the march. The New West End Company, which promotes shopping in the area announced today that the 'pink pound' had brought half a billion worth of revenue to business in the area last year.

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