Guildford named as Armed Forces Day host town

Armed Forces Day 2013 was marked with celebrations across the UK, led from Stirling

Guildford has been chosen to host the Armed Forces Day national event next June.

A service at the cathedral will be followed by a formal parade in Guildford High Street and a "picnic and proms" in Stoke Park on 27 June.

Armed Forces Day is an annual event marking the work of servicemen and women, past and present.

The first national event was held in Chatham in Kent in 2009, and was hosted by Stirling this year.

Councillor Stephen Mansbridge, leader of Guildford Borough Council said the town was a "most fitting location".

He said: "We are working with our partners to stage a first class programme for the day, worthy of leading the nation in honouring our armed forces."

Defence Minister Lord Astor said: "The county town of Surrey is an ideal location given the many historic links to the army, stretching back hundreds of years."

The main parade went from Stirling Castle through the city