Crowds turn out to show their support for forces

Army, air and sea cadets paraded through Tenterden to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday. They were joined by Army reservists from 103 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the Royal Engineers, HMS President Naval reservists and members of the Royal British Legion.

Organisers estimated that up to 1,000 people attended the day which was officially opened by the Mayor of Tenterden, Cllr Justin Nelson.

Events centred on the recreation ground where there were displays of armoured vehicles, a bomb disposal team and an Army rations cooking challenge.

Capt Jonathan DarringtonSlegg, who organised the day, joined cadets and Cllr Callum Knowles for a sleep-out on the recreation ground to raise funds for charity.

He estimates that up to £500 has been raised and the cash will be split between Ashford Sea Cadets and homeless charity Porchlight.

Representatives from the Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) officially signed the railway’s commitment to the armed forces covenant as an employer. It was followed by a reception in the mayor’s parlour where the railway’s representatives were officially presented with their employer bronze award.

On Saturday bus firm Stagecoach is offering free travel to armed forces personnel carrying a military ID card and to veterans carrying a veteran’s badge in honour of Armed Forces Day.

FM4813279 George Willson, eight, feels how heavy a camouflage helmet is

FM4813256 Joe Douglas, 12, checks the tracks on this armoured command vehicle Pictures: Paul Amos

FM4813252 Dannii Luckhurst, 10, is shown a rocket propelled grenade launcher by Sgt Greg Wilkinson

FM4813267 L/Cpl David Montandon shows Ron Noifeld a bomb disposal robot

FM4813262 Mayor of Tenterden Cllr Justin Nelson opens the event

FM4813241 Mayor of Tenterden Cllr Justin Nelson checks out a Kevlar bomb suit with Royal Engineer Sapper John Wright