Armed Forces Day 'Brilliant'

Nottinghamshire Police have thanked tens of thousands of people for making Armed Forces Day 'brilliant'.

Nottingham was the host city.

Officers say months of planned went into the event to make it safe and reckon about a-hundred thousand people turned up to watch the Red Arrows and 600 army personnel march through Old Market Square.

The policing operation of the day was commanded by Superintendent Paul Anderson who said the event had been a huge success:

'Hundreds of Police Officers, support staff, PCSOs, Specials and Community Protection Officers worked from the early hours of the morning to ensure the event was enjoyed safely by everyone.

'We have again demonstrated that Nottinghamshire Police are highly proficient in policing major public events and that this is a magnificent city.'

Humbling Experience

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were at the event, with His Royal Highness taking the salute on behalf of The Queen and Royal Family.

They were joined by the Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, and the new Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.

Among those taking part in the parade today was Lt Sam Vause, from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment, who spent four months in Afghanistan this year training other soldiers.

Lt Vause, 25, from Derby, said:

'It's been a magnificent day and a great honour to take part in the Armed Forces day national event in the Mercian's home county.

'It was a truly humbling experience to see the people of Nottingham come out and show their support for the Armed Forces on such a large scale.'