VETERANS and schoolchildren have joined a council in marking National Armed Forces Day by staging a ceremony in a park.

Colonel Mike Butterwick, deputy commander of 4th Infantry Brigade, gave an address at the event, which saw a flag raised in Friary Gardens, Richmond.

It was also attended by the chairman of Richmondshire District Council, Councillor John Robinson, other officials from the authority and Army, Navy and RAF personnel.

Cllr Robinson: “It is important that our Armed Forces past and present are shown support and gratitude for the huge personal sacrifices they have made and continue to make for our country.

“To have so many people represented at the ceremony – both present and past military personnel made the event very special.”