Well-wishers packed Corsham High Street today as the town paid tribute to its military connections.

Veterans, children and families filled the centre of town for the fifth Armed Forces Day celebration, which saw a parade of soldiers, sailors and air personnel march down the High Street and receive a formal salute outside the town hall.

The troops were played in by the Corsham Band, and were addressed town councillor Peter Pearson, himself a former soldier, who spoke on behalf of council chairman Ruth Hopkinson.

He said: “Today is an opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation for the tremendous contribution members of the armed forces and their families and loved ones are making, and have made, to the way of life we enjoy, which is so easy to take for granted.

“The members of the armed forces both past and present make up and important part of our community, and I believe we all benefit from their presence here.

“It provides a tremendous spectacle and gives us the chance to say thank you for the service, and in many cases sacrifice, you make on our behalf.

“I hope you all feel the affection and high regard you are held in by all of us.”

Many serving personnel also attended the ceremony as spectators, including LCpl Justin Reeve, of the 10 Signal Regiment based in Colerne, and his wife Lucy, who works for the MoD in Corsham. He said: “We felt it was extra important to come today.

“Being on the inside knowing about it, it’s always good to see the support from the people at home.

“I have been out in theatre before, and we always saw pictures from back home of things like this, which let you know you’re not forgotten about.”

Glenn Edwards, of Corsham, also watched the parade. He said: “It’s been a brilliant day; there should be more things like this all the while.

“I always come down for things like this, it’s important we show our support.”

After the parade the celebration began, with stalls and exhibits on the High Street, and a dog show organised by Guide Dogs for the Blind.