Thousands enjoy Stafford military fun day
JCB dancing diggers, military vehicles and dog display teams drew thousands of people to an open day at MoD Stafford.
More than 8,000 people descended on the event on Saturday, which also featured the Stafford MoD military wives choir, a freestyle motorcycle stunt display team and the Royal Armoured Corps Band.
The event was the fifth of its kind held at MoD Stafford and aimed to show appreciation to forge closer relationships with the local community.
Visitors were able to see first hand some of the equipment used by our armed forces.
Organiser Lt Col Chas Dale said: "The feedback has been fantastic. We have had about 8,000 to 8,500 people here.
"There has been a huge variety of entertainment. The army helicopter always attracts queues of people who want to look at it and speak to the pilot and find out what's going on.
"The whole idea of this is for the MoD to be good neighbours. We wanted to throw open the gates to the public. It's a great family fun day."
Jo Turner came to the event with her husband Sgt Richard Turner, who is in the 22 Signal Regiment, and their three-year-old son Alfie.
The mother-of-one, aged 31, of Beaconside, Stafford, said: "It's turned out really well. There's been a mixture of military families and civilians.
"It's good for the community. The little one has loved the dancing diggers."
Teacher and mother-of-two Jayne Flannagan, of Acton Trussell, brought her six-year-old son Alex Brough to the event.
The 42-year-old said: "It has been a fabulous event. There's been so much to do for the children.
"He has loved the motorbike display and going in the vehicles. It's been very busy. We will definitely come back."
Jordan Lloyd, 14, of Newport, had a go on the shooting range.
He said: "It's been crowded. I've enjoyed the rifles the most."
There was also a climbing wall, inflatables, stalls and classic car display.
All funds raised above that of running costs from the event will be donated to a variety of local charities.
