Armed Forces Day parade celebrates Army map-makers

The procession was led by a Royal Engineers band

An Armed Forces Day parade has marked the bicentenary of British army map-making units.

Hermitage in Berkshire was the home of 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic) until 2014 and remains a base for trainees.

In nearby Newbury, the Royal Engineers exercised their Freedom of the Town with a march which celebrated the 200th birthday of three of the regiment's squadrons.

Elsewhere, Armed Forces Day events were held across the country, including a national celebration at Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire.

In Newbury, a large crowd turned out for the event, which included the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers.

WO Paul Thomas said: "I absolutely love doing these parades.

"The civilian community basically only see the British army when we're parading through the streets... Armed Forces Day is a very important day for us to show off ourselves in this way."

Ian Thurgate, who served in the Royal Engineers, said: "We're very proud to be part of Newbury and I hope that Newbury's very proud that we're on the doorstep."

WO Paul Thomas said it was important to be visible to the community

The map-making units were formed in 1825 to undertake the Ordnance Survey of Ireland, according to Newbury Town Council.

The mayor of Newbury, Councillor David Harman, said: "Our long and friendly relationship with the Royal Engineers culminated in the granting of the Freedom of the Town in 1997, and we are proud to celebrate that ongoing bond."