A PATRIOTIC town showed its support for the UK’s military when Middlesbrough’s Centre Square played host to a parade and a pipe band.

Armed Forces Day on Saturday, formerly known as Veterans’ Day was a national celebration of local support for the country’s soldiers who serve in conflicts around the world.

Highlights included a parade of service veterans, Air Sea and Army Cadets, the Yorkshire Regiment, military standards, veterans, local army and cadet units, with a salute taken by a civic party.

Films were shown on the 'big screen' in Centre Square, and military personnel put on displays and demonstrations of equipment, vintage military vehicles and training exercises.

The R.E.M.E Band played in the morning followed by the North Skelton Brass Band and there was also be a street organ, tea dances, traditional games and martial arts.

Visitors could try paint balling, climbing and an obstacle course, while a range of stallholders will include S.S.A.F.A, W.R.A.C, The Army Benevolent Fund, Force Eighty, the Royal British legion and Changing Lives, as well as stands by local reserve units and cadets.