The iconic sound of a Spitfire engine and an aerobatic display by a YAK 52 were just two of the highlights of the Armed Forces Day celebration in Lowestoft yesterday.

The event, which was renamed this year to Lowestoft Armed Forces Day Military Tattoo, is now in its 9th year and saw hundreds of people gather on Royal Green to show their support for all military personnel.

The event kicked off at 10am with a display by the Band of the 469 Lowestoft Squadron Air Training Corps, followed by a military skills demonstration and a display by the Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums, among other things.

At midday a parade and drumhead service of commemoration was held in the main arena conducted by Revd Michael Asquith, with music by The Salvation Army Band.

All heads then turned to the sky to watch flypasts by the YAK 52 and the Spitfire.

Juliane Ovenden, commanding officer of the 469 Lowestoft Squadron and part of the organising committee said: 'Today is about saying thank you to the armed forces and showing our support for those who have served but also to raise awareness for the future of the armed forces through the cadets and their families.

'The event started life as a very small service and has grown every year.

'We were lucky to have lots of veterans attending as well as cadets from Lowestoft and Beccles and some serving representatives from RAF Mildenhall and the Royal Engineers Regiment.

'The day went really well and I'm so glad the weather stayed nice because the forecast looked terrible. People were really supportive and we had lots of people wandering in off the sea front to have a look.'

The event also included stands from military associations and charities, along with entertainment for the children.

In order for the event to continue next year, more people are needed to join the organising committee and to volunteer on the day. Anyone who is interested can visit the Lowestoft Armed Forces Facebook page or email neillovenden@aol.com