CROWDS gathered at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome to mark Armed Forces Day at one of the biggest events in the county.

The historic World War One airfield, in Hackmans Lane, Purleigh, played host to a number of former and current servicemen and women at the event paying tribute to the country’s armed forces on Saturday.

The free event ran for four hours, and featured a staggering amount of events and attractions for people of all ages.

Throughout the day there were displays of air and land military vehicles, guided tours of the historic site, a chance to look around the multiple museums at the airfield, and a range of traders selling unique items and gifts.

Marches and parades started off the day, before local cadet groups took part in a range of activities to battle it out for the Ridley Trophy, named after the man who led the Stow Maries based 37 Squadron at the age of 19 in 1916.