National Memorial Arboretum marks Armed Forces Day

The younger generation were out in force to mark the event

Almost 4,000 people turned out for a special service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to mark Armed Forces Day.

The arboretum, which is a national site of remembrance near Alrewas, has held a service of tribute to the armed forces for the past six years, since Armed Forces Day was conceived.

Many different services from across the armed forces came together

This year's service included a pilgrimage and wreath-laying, a male voice choir performance and a Dakota flypast.

There was also an £82,750 cheque presentation made up of donations to the arboretum.

An parade has been held at the arboretum for six years

Angela Ham, administration manager at the arboretum, said: "The Royal Army physical training corps did a gym display and there were various other activities such as choirs, dance troupes, bands playing and a cadet drill display team.

"We had all sorts of different services from the armed forces coming together."

The RAF organised a Dakota flypast after a World War One display had to be cancelled

Poor weather meant a planned World War One flypast had to be cancelled - but the RAF was able to send a Dakota to the arboretum instead.

The service included a pilgrimage and wreath-laying ceremony

Armed Forces Day was introduced in the UK six years ago.

It is intended as a day for people to show their support for service personnel and their families, veterans and the cadet forces.