THE ARMED forces were celebrated with a march and service in Tredegar at the weekend.

Locals battled the rain to watch around 50 people including members of the Tredegar squadron Air Training Corps march through Bryn Bach Park to mark Armed Forces Day.

The march, which also included guest air training corps, guest RAF members and local scouts finished at the visitor centre where around 100 people gathered by the lake for a special service.

This was led by vicar of St George and St James, Tredegar, and Royal British Legion and air training corps chaplain Reverend John Davis.

Team vicar at St George and St James, Reverend Victoria Ashley and Bedwellty Chapter Area Dean, Reverend Trevor Morgan also contributed.

Hymns sang included Onward Christian Soldiers as locals celebrated and prayed for servicemen and women and their families.

The Armed Forces flag, which had been raised earlier on in the day, waved in the wind in the background, alongside the Welsh flag.

A fun day was then held which included stalls and a Punch and Judy show, all of which was to help raise funds in aid of Help for Heroes.

A Griffin helicopter from RAF Shawbury was also on display.

The event was organised by Tredegar Town Council.

Town clerk, Christine Keane said: “I am absolutely delighted with the turnout considering the weather.

“It is great that people have put their wellies and raincoats on and come out to support us and all the servicemen and women who do such a fantastic job.”

Leader of the Tredegar squadron of the Air Training Corps Flight Lieutenant Chris Rundoe, who led the march, added: “It is great that people come to support the event.”