THOUSANDS of people flocked to Himley Hall and Park to mark Armed Forces Day.

Sunday's event was held in association with Forces Recruitment Services to celebrate the work of both current servicemen and women and veterans.

The free event attracted huge crowds, making it the most popular Armed Forces Day event in the borough’s history.

There was a surprise visit from HMS Daring’s Flight when its Wildcat HMA Mk2 helicopter flew into the event allowing people to get up close with the Royal Navy aircraft.

The family day was packed with entertainment including a climbing wall, archery range, paintball gallery and mini-land train.

The annual youth marching band competition kicked off the day at 11am with bands competing from across the country to be crowned the UK’s best.

Crowds gathered around the main arena to watch performances from Sealed Knot civil war re-enactors and 347 and 2488 squadron’s RAF Air Cadets and to see veteran and serving personnel presented with special badges and medals.

The highlight of the day was the big finale, Beating the Retreat, which saw more than 150 people enter the arena, including RAF Cosford Voluntary Band and the National Youth Marching band joined by standard bearers, cadets and serving personnel from HMS Daring.

The day also included a display of historic vehicles for people to get up close to, Kiki and Honey’s vintage fair and displays by armed forces units from across the region.

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Mayor of Dudley, said: “It was fantastic to see the thousands of people at the event showing their respect to this country’s armed forces personnel. It’s a real highlight in the Mayoral calendar and this year’s event was even better than ever.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for making the day such a huge success, in particular to the military units, cadets and veterans who attended the day.

"We have a long and happy tradition of working closely with the armed forces and these celebrations are very important to remind everyone of the vitally important work they do.”