Veterans from the Mansfield area are urging local folk to enjoy the town’s Armed Forces Day – where people will see a flypast from an RAF Hurricane.

The event takes place in Mansfield’s Market Place on Sunday, June 25, between 10.30am and 3pm, and includes a parade, a display of army vehicles, a market, food stalls and music from the group The Cherry Belles.

A short parade, starting at 10.15am from The Buttercross, along West Gate to the Market Place for 10.30am, will mark the opening of the event.

Children can also make model Spitfires, and paint a toy soldier that they can take away with them.

Organised in conjunction with Mansfield BID and Mansfield District Council, the event is aimed at paying tribute to past and serving members of the Armed Forces.

Joe Martin, Poppy Appeal organiser within the Mansfield branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “The Armed Forces are always the first line of defence both in wartime and in peacetime, always ready to step up and do their duty when required.

“I’d urge people to come along to the Armed Forces Day and have a good time. They can also visit the stalls, including ours, to find out more.”

There will be representation from a number of groups, including Help for Heroes, HMS Sherwood, 384 Cadets, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy Reserve, Mercian TA regiment, Mansfield Sea Cadets and the Police Cadets.

People can also leave a message of thanks for anyone they know who has served in the forces now and in the past. Some of these will be read out on Mansfield 103.2, who will also be at the event.

Sarah Nelson, from Mansfield BID said: “Mansfield has always had close links with the Armed Forces and this is just one way of saying thank you to past and serving personnel.

And she added: “It’s all free so bring the family along and have a picnic or treat yourself to something to eat in one of the town centre’s pubs, cafes, coffee bars, restaurants or take-aways.”