THOUSANDS of people descended on Wollaton Park to honour veterans and current serving soldiers.

The Nottingham park was transformed for people to mark the event, which has been heralded by the Ministry of Defence as the flagship event for the East Midlands for the last two years.

Visitors included veterans, serving soldiers, families and cadets.

To mark Armed Forces Day yesterday there was a fly past by a Hurricane, displays by the 16th Lancers Re-Enactment Society, The Dako Flying Angels, St John Ambulance, and The Flying Gunners - the Royal Artillery Motor Cycle Display Team.

Sonia Hingeley, from Long Eaton, was watching the motorbike display with children Chloe and Adam, both eight, and Fiona, 17.

She said: "My nephew is currently in Afghanistan.

"We've really enjoyed it and it's something people should definitely support.

"There's a good range of displays and the forces are all really friendly."

Paul Chadwick, 63, from Wollaton, and Hilary Dennett, 63, from Newark, were also enjoying the motorbike display.

Mr Chadwick said: "I think it's a great event and I try and support the Armed Forces so that's why we've come."

Dozens of military veterans and current Armed Forces servicemen and women also paraded from Nottingham Castle down to Old Market Square on yesterday morning.

When they arrived there was a short service, involving Nottingham Lord Mayor Councillor Brian Grocock; Gerald Howarth MP, Minister for International Security and Strategy, and Air Chief Marshal Simon Bryant.

It was followed by a presentation of Veterans Badges in front of the Council House and dozens of onlookers in the square.

Mr Howarth said: "This is a day when all of us show our support for the Armed Forces. We should be proud of our history."

Paul Jones, 33, of Top Valley, was there to watch.

He said: "It is important we remember the great job the Armed Forces do. That is why I wanted to come here today."

The entertainment continued today at Wollaton Park with the 307 Battery Royal Artillery completing a gun run, re-enactments from The Sealed Knot and a Dakota fly past.

Steven Harvey, from Arnold, is an officer in the Army Cadet Force and was at the event with his son Adam, 13, who is also a cadet.

He said: "It's excellent.

"I think the Armed Forces have been forgotten for a long time."

A new memorial dedicated to American troops, from 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, was also unveiled and blessed in a special ceremony.

The soldiers were based in the park for three months, preparing for D-Day.

The service included the American and British National Anthems, readings, and the laying of wreaths followed by a two minute silence.

Deanne, 55, and John Taylor, 57, from Bulwell, watched the service.

Mr Taylor said: "We didn't know this was occurring so it has made the day extra special.

"It was very moving and it is immensely important that we remember them.

"It's nice to see so many people here just stopping and taking it all in."