ON behalf of the Lincolnshire ex-Service Association (LexSA), I would like to thank the 8,700 people of the county who visited Lincoln Castle last Saturday, National Armed Forces Day.

This coincided with Cadet 150 – the 150th Anniversary of the cadet organisation.

A service of commemoration was held in the Cathedral.

After the service, more than 350 cadets from all the services marched from the Cathedral into the castle, where the salute was taken by Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Tod, the National Chairman of the Sea Cadet Association, supported by Tony Worth, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire.

The castle events were opened in the morning by the Right Worshipful Mayor of the City, Councillor Geoff Kirby, and throughout the day arena events and the service charity stands, together with 5 Squadron RAF Waddington, attracted large numbers of people.

There was something for everyone, while Dave Bussey – formerly of BBC Lincolnshire and an RN Veteran himself – jollied everything along faultlessly.

In the city in the morning, soldiers from RAF Waddington and RAF Digby collected £2,500 for the ABF, the soldiers' charity – a very generous gesture reflecting the support of Lincoln people for the Army today.

This was a good opportunity for people of the city to show their unquestioned support and appreciation of our Armed Forces and our cadet organisation – some of the boys and girls being the Armed Forces of the future.

Our grateful thanks from the organising committee for the fantastic support on the day.

BRIGADIER JOHNNY WALKER President, Lincolnshire ex-Service Association.