ARMED Forces Day was marked yesterday (Saturday, June 27) with several events across the region honouring the country’s servicemen and women.

Residents in Spennymoor paid their respects at the town’s fourth annual Drumhead Service, in Jubilee Park, which is believed to be the only drumhead service to mark the day in the region.

The service, traditionally held in the field when no church was available, followed convention by having an altar made of drums and a full parade.

It was attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Colonel Arthur Charlton, as well as several town mayors and other dignitaries.

Cadets from all forces and the police were also present while Spennymoor Town Band and two pipers accompanied the hymns as a two minutes silence was observed along with the bugler, Thomas Yates, playing the last post.

Talking after the service, Col Charlton, said: “I thought it was a very well represented and most impressive with all the organisations represented.

“Hopefully it will go from strength to strength.”

The public also showed their support for the armed forces community in Sunderland where the Army and Sea cadets marched through the city as a sign of respect.

They were watched closely by the police following the terrorist attack in Tunisia.

Meanwhile, the Colours of The Yorkshire Regiment Reserve Battalion made their debut in Leeds as part of the day while the regiment exercised its Freedom of the City.

The Reservists from 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment were joined by their Regular counterparts, the 2nd Battalion, which has just returned to Catterick Garrison from Cyprus.

Other organisations taking part in the Freedom Parade included Army cadets and the Royal British Legion standard bearers and veterans.

The parade was inspected by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, and the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Judith Chapman, before marching through the city with bayonets fixed, colours flying, and to the music of the Yorkshire Regiment Band.

For more information on Armed Forces Day visit armedforcesday.org