MANY hundreds of people crowded into Skipton on Sunday to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

The Yorkshire Regiment was there with military vehicles,  and the Lancashire Militia put on a fine display in the closed High Street, with re-enactments involving muskets, pikes and cannon.

The expected fly-past by a Spitfire was called off because of technical difficulties, but in its place, the RAF Air Events team carried out three fly-pasts of a Hawker Hurricane – the 'workhorse' of the Second World War.

Music was provided by the Yorkshire Regiment Corps of Drums, Skipton Brass, Maria Manchester and Melissa Harper, and there was also a display of regimental vehicles.

Members of the public – and serving soldiers – were invited to try their hands at playing an instrument by Skipton Brass, who will be back at Skipton Sheep Day on Sunday, when they will once again be inviting people to 'have a go'.

The Last Post and Reveille was played by the Royal British Legion Skipton band, while the Air Training Corps raised and lowered the flag.

Both Skipton Library and Craven Museum and Gallery were also open and staging events to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, which took place in July 1916.

Armed Forces week began in the town on Monday with the raising of the flag in front of veterans, Craven District Council chairman, Cllr Chris Moorby. and other civic dignitaries.

Armed Forces Day was organised by Skipton Town Partnership, with support from Skipton Town Council and Craven District Council.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Craven Herald, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.