Re-enactors featured heavily in the Armed Forces celebrations, with people from across Wiltshire and beyond showing off displays from bygone eras.

Former Bradford on Avon police officer Robert Bulson, of Easterton, showcased wartime artefacts such as a truncheon, handcuffs and a Post Office book based on his research of the town’s station during that time.

Trowbridge re-enactment family the Couldrakes donned RAF costumes in their latest offering.

Grandparents Audrey and Ken were joined by son Tony, grandson Ashley and other members of the family.

Tony Couldrake said: “I have been collecting military stuff since I was nine. What we have brought today is just a small sample of everything we have.”

Jenny Neath, of Chippenham, and her sister Pauline Passerini, who lives in Trowbridge, played 1940s women.

Mrs Passerini said: “We loved the idea of the 1940s. It was a time when women were women and men were men.”

The re-enactors attracted people from far and wide. History teacher Dave Wallbanks travelled from Wigan in Greater Manchester, to look at the exhibits with daughter Bethany, seven, who lives in Trowbridge.

He said: “We have had a great time looking at everything. It is great for the kids, because they have fun and they get to learn a lot, too.

“I have never seen an event quite like this that is free.”

Doug Pearce, of Chippenham, let Bethany sit on his Aerial 350 motorcycle, which was issued in September 1940.

Corsham’s Dave Tyley, a warrant officer at Rudloe Manor Air Cadets, showed how a 1945 bren gun was operated.

Mr Tyley, who works as a security officer, said: “We are quite a hands-on group and we like to try and show what life was like in the 1940s. I really enjoy it because it gets me out of the house and I meet many interesting people along the way.”