ARMED Forces Day celebrations returned to the town after a "lamentable" three year gap.

Andover Armed Forces Day, organised by Andover Radio, took place in Vigo Park on Sunday, June 25.

Visitors had the chance to have a look at an Apache, guarded by the Army Air Corps a Gazelle and a Watchkeeper Drone on display from the Royal Artillery.

Thanks was given by the organisers to Middle Wallop camp commandant, Colonel Jon Bryant, who was instrumental in helping the event have access to the multi-million pound gunship - the Apache.

Children were asked by the 22nd Engineer Regiment to test the strength of the Medium Girder Bridge and also provided a dive tank with engineers who played noughts and crosses with revellers all day.

Attractions, activities and stalls included the 14th Century re-enactors, Wessex Medieval Alliance, the Southern Jacobites Pipe Band and the 4th Dorsetshire Living History HQ.

The last event was 2014 and Andover Radio considered it “lamentable” that the event hadn’t been in the town for so long. So – even before we launch - we did this…

Dogs wowed crowds as they jumped through fire hoops as part of the Essex Dog Display Team act.

And Chelsea Pensioner, Fred Abraham, stayed at the event all day, who was thanked by Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, Timothy Weale and Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Carl Borg-Neal.

Director of Andover Radio, David Harber, said: "The Mayor of Test Valley said to me, 'half of Andover must be here'.

"It's that sort of comment that encourages us to continue to think big - and show everyone what Andover can do.

"I am so humbled that so many people came to enjoy our first event.

"We spoke to the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday and they were astonished at what we achieved.

"We’re committed to increasing the number of displays, attractions and visitors every year and we've been told we're already 'very credible' to host the coveted 'national’ Armed Forces Day event in the future.

"But, we will need a lot more space than Vigo Park offers."