SOLDIERS enjoyed a day off from their training schedules - for a day out at a theme park.

However, they were still playing an important role – taking part in a national fund-raising campaign run annually by military charities.

They were at Lightwater Valley, near Ripon, as part Red White and Blue Day, explaining to visitors the work of the armed forces around the world.

The chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, Cllr David Jeffels, was a special guest at the attraction and he met the soldiers who explained their work to him.

Theme park general manager Mark Bainbridge said: “It was a great day, customers were able to gain half-price entry by showing their support for the troops and wearing red, white and blue colours.

"Once inside the theme park they were able to meet a range of military personnel, explore their vehicles and aircraft, enjoy the sound of military bands and engage in fun and challenging activities.

“Everyone at Lightwater Valley is proud to support the work of all our armed forces.”