Heartfelt thanks for armed forces' heroes

War veterans, serving servicemen and women and their families turned out in their thousands across the Midlands for ceremonies to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces.

Shoppers lined the streets as servicemen and women from past and present conflicts marched through Wolverhampton to mark Armed Forces Day.

Up to 300 people followed the parade, led by the West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band, into St Peter's Square where the Armed Forces flag was raised and Wolverhampton mayor Malcolm Gwinnett gave "heartfelt thanks" to the uniformed ranks.

Onlookers applauded as the veterans marched past, behind units from RAF Cosford and the Royal Artillery Regiment, 210 Battery Wolverhampton. Standard bearers from the Royal British Legion, the Staffordshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's) and the Merchant Navy also walked in line.

Among the Wolverhampton veterans was 91-year-old Colonel Tony Herbrink from the Dutch Princess Irene Brigade, who was stationed in Wrottersley Park, Tettenhall, in 1941.

The great-grandfather, who travelled from his home near Eindhoven, as one of an eight-strong Dutch contingent, said: "I've rarely missed a Remembrance Day in Wolverhampton since 1973 and now I'm proud to be here for Armed Forces Day."

Afterwards they took refreshments at the Civic Hall where military displays and a special schools' exhibition was set up.

Veteran Barry Gotheridge, aged 64, of Bilston, who served with the Staffords in Northern Ireland in the 1970s, carried a regiment standard.

The Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford played host to a veterans' reunion. Ex-servicemen were treated to a number of special activities, including a talk, film screenings and guided tours of the museum.

Hundreds also packed into Stafford town centre to celebrate as the Royal British Legion laid on a day of information and entertainment.

The afternoon culminated with local Army and Air Cadets from C Company and 395 Squadron beating the retreat. Members of the Rotary Club also parade through the streets during the day, led by C Company's Grenadier Guards Corp of Drums.

At Himley Park onlookers sporting picnic boxes and deck chairs, bagged a spot to relax in the sunshine while Dudley's tribute unfolded yesterday.

Visitors watched a marching band competitions and could also visit the air cadets tent, a display of military vehicles, a climbing wall, mini fairground rides and stalls selling books and other goodies to raise money for Help for Heroes.

In the afternoon, Mayor of Dudley Councillor Peter Miller, Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands Paul Sabapathy, and High Sheriff of the West Midlands Anita Bhalla handed out badges to veterans.

The event was concluded with the 12 marching bands joining the West Midlands Fire Service Marching Band for the beating of the retreat. Events and assistant Poppy Appeal organiser for Quarry Bank RBL Gloria Donovan, aged 66, of Stourbridge, said: "It's great to have veterans of all ages, from the survivors of World War Two to the young people fighting for their country now."