HEXHAM came out in force last weekend to pay tribute to its troops.

On Saturday, the town stood still as veterans, cadets and serving troops marched together to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

The day got into gear at 10am with a classic vehicle parade from Corbridge Road to Beaumont Street.

Then the sound of distant drums heralded the arrival of the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

The soldiers were headed by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers marching band and were followed by young members of Hexham’s Army Cadet and Air Training Corps.

Also marching were six ex-service personnel, representing the Fusiliers Association.

Crowds lined Priestpopple, Battle Hill and Beaumont Street as the parade made its way through the town before coming to a halt in front of Hexham’s war memorial.

Mayor of Hexham Coun. Trevor Cessford and the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Bryony Gibson, then inspected the assembled troops before making short speeches.

Speaking at the event, Coun. Cessford said: “What all of us recognise, and what links the generations, is that those who serve in the forces stand for honour and sacrifice.

“They put themselves after others, their country before self. So, behind the flags, parades and other events up and down the country to mark Armed Forces Day, we should remember that.

“As we speak, in this country and overseas, these brave people are putting their lives on the line.”

The 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, known as the ‘Fighting Fifth’, is Hexham’s local reserve army unit and has served in the Falklands, Afghanistan, Iraq, Croatia and Kenya.

The 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, based at Albemarle Barracks, provided military vehicles and equipment which were on display in the Abbey grounds throughout the day.

After the troop inspection, a service of thanksgiving was held in the Abbey.

The Voices and Choices exhibition was on display at the Queen’s Hall, building a picture of the First World War through the stories of some of the men and women who lived through it, as well as stalls specialising in arts, crafts and military items.

And musical entertainment was laid on at Hexham Bandstand from Hexham Brass Band and The Reveille Belles, a close-harmony tribute trio to the famous Andrews sisters.

Parade Officer in Charge, Lt Sam Bates said: “It was a good day.

Luckily the weather held out and there was a good turn out.

“It’s important to mark Armed Forces Day; it is the community showing ITS support for us, which on a day to day basis we don’t often see.

“It’s also our chance to put on a parade through Hexham, one of our recruiting areas, and enjoy that with the community.”

kathleen.moore@hexham-courant.co.uk