Military veterans rubbed shoulders with aspring young servicemen as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations in Cumbria.

A national day of thanks was in full force on Saturday, with events taking place across the county attended by veterans, cadets and current serving military personnel.

The celebration in Carlisle outside the Old Town Hall showcased the future of the armed forces with a cadet drill competition.

Dedicated youngsters from the city's army cadets group went head-to-head with the 1862 City of Carlisle Air Training Corps, and gave a glimpse of their work to the general public.

The display was watched by hundreds of onlookers, all keen to show their appreciation.

Carlisle organiser Tony Parrini explained why the day is important.

"The armed forces are always there, prepared to serve their country anywhere in the world at a moment's notice," he said. "We do it without question.

"Events like this are an opportunity for people to show their appreciation for what they have done, what they are doing and what they will continue to do."

Mr Parrini was also celebrating a personal anniversary on Saturday as it was 50 years to the day that he received the Queen's commission to join the Royal Air Force.

In Workington serving soldiers, cadets and veterans of all branches of the armed forces gathered in Pow Street before parading down Finkle Street and Vulcan’s Lane to Vulcan Park.

A poignant ceremony was held to honour past and present military personnel, before the group paraded back up to the Royal British Legion Club.

At the club there was entertainment with live music and military displays from cadets.

Able Seaman James Kenyon, of Workington, has taken part in the parade previously as a sea cadet but led the parade this year as a representative of the Royal Navy.

He said: “I’ve spent seven years in the sea cadets going to every Armed Forces Day but coming here to actually lead the parade as a member of the Royal Navy gives me an even greater sense of pride.

"I was honoured to be asked to do the exaltation."

Helen Helm, secretary of the Royal Air Force Association’s Cockermouth branch, said: “I think it’s the best Armed Forces Day yet and it’s nice to see a good turnout."

Christine Sanderson, of Egremont, followed the parade with her granddaughters Sophie-Lee and Lucy-Jo. They were cheering on her grandson, Lance Corporal Stephen Tyler Rogers, who was taking part.

She said: “I think it’s definitely worth the effort of everybody involved.

"It’s a good day for everyone and is a really nice occasion for the children because the little ones don’t know much about the armed forces yet."

Organiser Pat Lavin said: “This is a big forces town and a lot of families have somebody serving in the forces today so I think they’re quite proud.

“It’s brilliant to see so many people coming out, we’ve inspired by the people who support us. The veterans especially get a lot out of this because they feel part of it again.”

Eden Council also took part in the day with a flag raising ceremony at the front of Penrith Town Hall.

The council's chairman Mike Tonkin, raised the Armed Forces Day flag with the council’s armed forces champion, Cllr Malcolm Temple and David Stonehouse, chairman of the Penrith and district branch of the Royal British Legion.