Flying displays and parades mark Armed Forces Day

Thousands of people attended Armed Forces Day celebrations at Scarborough's South Bay earlier in support of military personnel.

The events at St Nicholas Gardens included marching bands, air displays and parades, while also marking 80 years since the D-Day landings.

Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said the celebrations were a reminder of the importance of the armed forces.

She said: "It is a very uncertain time, as a government we're looking to spend more on defence.

"The world is shifting on its axis so today is an important reminder that it's not just about the past, it's about keeping our country safe today.

"Some people aren't here today and we have to remember them. Others who have served and are here today are a reminder of how much we depend on people to serve so that we can enjoy all the freedoms of democracy."

Wing Cdr Toby Steward, station commander at RAF Fylingdales near Pickering said his team were proud to be involved in the event.

He said: "It's enormously important because of the incredible efforts that we all know the armed forces are making at the moment here and overseas and I think that sense of recognition adds to the energy."

The event included displays from the Norwegian Marching Bands, the City of Hull and Scarborough Royal Air Force Cadets and Starlings Aerobatic Team.

Hume said she had attended the parades before, but it was her first year attending as MP for the town.

"We do a really good armed forces day in Scarborough, it's great to see the town turn out," she said.

"I'm incredibly proud to represent a town like this that puts veterans and service personnel at the heart.

"I always look forward to the parades. I look forward to seeing the Sea Cadets particularly, I've got a soft spot for them. Their parents will be incredibly proud of them."

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