Armed Forces Day marked at Darlington Market Square

Army, Air Force and Navy personnel of the past, present and future gathered at Darlington's Market Square for the morning that included a parade ahead of the official day on June 29.

Dozens of service men and women dressed in uniform and displaying arrays of medals earned in service gathered to listen at the event led by top Army chief Commander Ian Berrey and Darlington Mayor Bob Donoghue.

Marching as one across from the town hall to begin the timetable of events, the group, including young Darlington cadets, carried flags and stood at ease as proceedings began.

Pedestrians in the town centre were seen taking a moment to snap photographs of the personnel in formation and joined in with a reading of the Lord's Prayer, later standing with their heads bowed for a performance of the last post.

Taking to the podium, Commander Berrey addressed the crowds as he urged those to remember those who have fought for the country.

He said: "We are inspired by the example they set for us. For the first time in generations war has returned to Europe after the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine.

"Armed Forces week offers an opportunity to see what our sailors soldiers and airmen who served are doing on behalf of the nation.

"Showing support for our armed forces provides a much-needed morale boost to serving personnel, veterans, and families.

"Our armed forces display professionalism, nobility, and dedication consistently. Every day our service men and women put their lives on the line for us with fortitude and bravery they work to protect us in different ways to humanitarian relief.

"From peace-making, to certain rescue and much else."

He later added: "As you participate in armed forces day, I ask you to remember the thousands of men and women applied around the globe, far from their families and loved, doing their duty on your behalf."

Walking up and down the line of soldiers in immaculate formation, the commander greeted smiling young cadets during his inspection as attendees made up of onlooking veterans watched on in awe of his support.

Following the events, Commander Berrey told the Echo: "I think it has been marvellous, it’s been great to see such a good turnout in Darlington to support the armed forces as we mark the day tomorrow."

Here are just a few pictures from the day:

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)