Veterans, cadets and serving servicemen and women were joined by residents to mark Armed Forces Day in St Albans and Harpenden.

The annual celebration, which is held to raise awareness of the contribution made by members of the forces, was held at the war memorial in Marshalswick on Saturday.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

The district’s cadets and members of local Scout and Girl Guiding groups paraded to the memorial, which is outside St Mary’s Church.

Annie Brewster, the mayor of St Albans, laid a wreath at the memorial during the service.

She said: "It was wonderful to see so many representatives from local services both young and old.

"None of us should take for granted the bravery and courage of our armed forces.

"It was an honour to be part of it. It was lovely.

"There were an enormous amount of cadets - it is good for the young people to take part.

"I think this is an event that will build year after year."

Saturday’s event was the third time that the event was held at the memorial, which was built in 2011 with cash collecting through a fundraising campaign.

Sandridge parish councillor John Foster said: "It was a brilliant day and a good crowd turned out. It was a day for all the community.

"I was terribly heartened by the turn out and the fact there was a number of young people there.

"Often the older generations attend our armed forces day but I think it is very important for our younger generations to value and recognise the work that our armed forces do to defend our democracy."

"This is the third year we have organised a memorial for Armed Forces Day so I am very pleased with the turn out.

"We just hope to build on this and attract a mix of younger and older generations to give thanks to all those that have made the ultimate sacrifice."

Don Dell, chairman of the St Albans branch of the Royal British Legion, added: "It was a lovely day and the sun was shining.

"We had a fair turn out and the people who came enjoyed it."

The occasion was also celebrated in Harpenden on the common outside the Public Halls.

Following a veterans’ parade, there was a host of entertainment including tug of war competitions, a climbing wall and obstacle courses.