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

The civic service, organised by the St Albans branch of the Royal British Legion, was conducted by Rev Ruth Goatly (Associate Priest) at the memorial outside St Mary’s Church, Marshalswick.

Prayers of thanks were offered for the contribution made by members of the Armed Forces, past and in the present, in serving the country.

Wreaths were laid by the Mayor of St Albans Geoff Harrison and representatives of the Royal British Legion, the Burma Star Association, the Royal Air Force Association (RAF) and Sandridge Parish Council.

Standards were carried by representatives of the Normandy Veterans Association, RAF air cadets, Army cadets, the Guide Association and the Royal British Legion.

Mayor Harrison: “It was a privilege to join with cadets from the Army and Royal Air Force and local people to show support for our Armed Forces and their families. Armed Forces Day gives us the chance to demonstrate our gratitude to members of the Army, Navy and Air Force serving around the world.

“They carry out extremely challenging work and are often far from home."

Armed Forces Day is an annual event that shows support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community.

In the lead up to Armed Forces Day, reservists across the country wore their uniforms to work to celebrate Uniform to Work Day on Wednesday, June 25.

A member of St Albans District Council’s regulatory services team took part by wearing his naval reservist uniform to work for the day.