HUNDREDS of people came together at Evesham's South Worcestershire College campus to celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday (June 28).

The highlight of the nationwide event, which has become an annual day of celebration and commemoration at the college, was a military parade led by the veterans of the Royal British Legion who were joined by the RAF, the Scouts and the Evesham Sea Cadets.

This act of support was followed by the playing of the Last Post on the bugle by Sue Sollis and a minutes silence by all those present to remember the fallen.

As the afternoon continued there were lots of fun activities for the visitors from a dog show to dancing displays, 40s style music, BBQ, fun rides and special events such as an aerobatic display by Richard Goodwin, known locally as the red baron.

So far the event has raised about £1,200 for Help for Heroes and other military charities but this amount is set to increase and should be more than £2,000, which was the amount also raised last year.

Viv Gillespie, South Worcestershire College Principal, said she enjoyed the event, which is now well established on the college calendar.

"This is about the sixth year we have held the event," said Mrs Gillespie. "I think it links nicely to some of the programmes we offer at the college because we do a public service qualification so the students will go into any of the uniform services, which could be the armed services or perhaps the police."

And the college intends to continue with the event to honour the forces.

"We want to show our support for the armed forces and what they do for the country," added Mrs Gillespie.