Crowds out in force to cheer troops

HUNDREDS of flag waving spectators lined the streets of Sleaford on Sunday for the town's first Armed Forces Day parade.

Amid glorious sunny weather the parade was led by the Band of the RAF Regiment and included around 30 veterans, personnel from RAF Cranwell and RAF Digby, army cadets and air training corps cadets.

There was also a spectacular flypast by two King Airs and two Dominies aircraft from RAF Cranwell and the event ended with a special reception at North Kesteven District Council's offices.

North Kesteven District Council chairman Coun Frederick Ambridge, who took the parade salute along with RAF Cranwell station commander Nigel Wharmby, Canon John Patrick and Sleaford Mayor Gordon Blyth, was delighted with how the event went.

He said: "In a word, the day went 'wonderfully'. We were all quite surprised and pleased with the turnout and the reaction, which was overwhelmingly positive.

"I think the public are impressed with and sympathetic to our servicemen and women, and this was evident by the level of support shown during the parade, particularly the spontaneous cheering and applause that the flypast received.

"Twenty years ago, servicemen and women weren't allowed to wear their uniforms in public.

"But now the situation is reversed and military personnel can wear their uniform with pride."

The parade was not the only event marking Armed Forces Day in the local area.

RAF Cranwell welcomed 90 veterans to the base to watch an air display and enjoy a tour of College Hall.

There was also an open gardens event in Sleaford where visitors had a chance of winning Lincolnshire-themed goodies.