THE armed forces delighted families with activities and competitions at a jubilee gala event yesterday.

Hundreds of people gathered in Newcastle's Exhibition Park for the Forces Gala Day, which ran throughout the afternoon.

It promised something to interest the whole family, including a tug-o-war competition, raft race, military vehicle display and helicopter rides.

The event followed a military tattoo at the same venue on Saturday night.

Gala organiser Major Eric Ingram said: "There was a huge amount going on, including displays of lots of equipment.

"It was a really spectacular day.