HUNDREDS of Colerne villagers welcomed soldiers from 21st Signal Regiment to celebrate National Armed Forces Day on Saturday with a parade and summer fete.

Despite torrential rain at times, the spirits of the hundreds that attended were not dampened in the slightest for the popular event that began with the parade from Market Place at 12.30pm before finishing up at Colerne Primary School.

Colerne Royal British Legion, scouts, guides, school kids, and cadets enjoyed military displays, a tug of war, a children's assault course, dog shows, stalls, games and a classic car show, with the funds raised going to local causes.

Major Simon Gray, who leads 80 soldiers in the regiment's 204th Signal Squadron, was the main man behind the parade for the troops and is one of 130 others who will head out for overseas duty in the Middle East and Africa in December.

"It was a great day out although it was just a shame the poor kids god absolutely drenched," said the 39-year-old who has completed two tours of Afghanistan in the past.

"Colerne continues to be a hugely supportive village to the regiment and during my speech at the parade I wanted to thank them for their dedication.

"It is such a relief to know that when you are away that your loved ones are being supported and looked after. We are at one with the community and that is very important.

"It is true that we lost the tug of war to the RBL and although I am not bitter they did have the slope to help them and more pullers. Fair play to them."

Sharon Williams, chairman of Colerne Primary School’s fundraising body FRESCO, said: "Although the heavens opened on us for the parade, I was amazed everyone stayed put and the numbers were up on last year.

"Everyone was soaked but absolutely loved it. It was a brilliant day, everyone was in high spirits to celebrate a brilliant event in a wonderful place.

"The regiment deserve a huge thank you - they were superb. They got involved with everything and we are very grateful for their stellar efforts."

Soldiers from 21st Signal Regiment are based at Azimghur Barracks in the village and a large proportion of children at the school have parents in the armed forces.