SERVICEMEN and women past and present were joined by members of the public to mark Armed Forces Day.

The day was marked up and down the country, and in Ilford the crowds gathered outside Redbridge Town Hall where a special Armed Forces flag was raised.

Members of The Royal British Legion, Army Cadet Force, Air Cadets, SSAFA Forces Help, 217 Squadron and Royal Naval Association were amongst those taking part.

John Coombes, Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Barkingside said: “I spoke to some of the active soldiers who were there.

“I just said how grateful I and everyone else is for what they are doing.

“It’s very different to the days of conscription, today’s soldiers have all volunteered to put their lives on the line for us.”

Redbridge Mayor Cllr Muhammed Javed inspected the parade and the Mayor's Chaplain offered prayers for the armed forces.

Two regiments, The Royal Anglian Regiment and 36 (Eastern) Signal Regiment (Volunteers), were also granted the freedom of the borough.

And there was a chance for the public to find out more about the Armed Forces and the British Legion at stalls set up in the town centre.

Mr Coombes said: “It was good to be able to explain a bit more about the work we do.

“We also got a few new volunteers to help us sell poppies, which is very positive.”