A spectacular RAF-themed Armed Forces Weekend brought thousands of people into Trowbridge for a march of celebration.

Wiltshire’s major event, now in its sixth year, has become one of the country’s leading tributes to current and veteran service personnel.

Town mayor John Knight described the celebrations, which attracted 10,000 people, as “incredible”.

Cllr Knight said: “This is when Trowbridge is at its best. Trowbridge is a town with historical military connections and it was very fitting that the people came out in force to support the event.”

Crowds looked to blue skies on Saturday as they watched a Spitfire’s flypast, followed later by a display by the Red Arrows during a sudden burst of torrential rain.

The Spitfire has a long history with Trowbridge, as it was once a manufacturing base for the aircraft.

Air Vice Marshal Martin Clark opened the event and said: “It is a real privilege to be involved in these celebrations, because I have lived in Trowbridge for nine years now, so it is my home.

“It is also great to see the community coming out in support of our serving forces and veterans. It means a great deal to them.”

Clive Gunning, who served with the Duke of Edinburgh Royal Regiment from 1975 for 10 years, led standard bearers in a parade into the Town Park, accompanied by music from films such as Indiana Jones and Stars Wars, played by the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals.

On Sunday, another parade marched through the town centre, led by parade master Sqn Ldr Philip Lobb MBE.

He was followed by the Royal British Legion motorcycle riders, who travelled in a diamond formation to mark the Queen’s Jubilee.

Next came Shrewton Silver Band, the Royal Air Forces Association, White Ensign Association, Royal British Legion, the Royal Engineers,the Wiltshire Youth Marching Band, the Air Training Corps, the Sea Cadet Corps and the Army Cadet Corps.

They converged on the Town Park for a drumhead service where the hymn I Vow To Thee My Country was sung.

Events in the park resumed after the service, with the highlights including a parachute landing by the Red Devils.

Organiser Maryrose Mantle, of Trowbridge Town Council, said: “It was even busier than last year.

“For me the highlight was the Spitfire, which was given a great reception by Trowbridge, and, wow, weren’t the Red Arrows fast. And the Red Devils certainly created a bit of a stir.”