Both Alnwick and Amble did our heroes proud as young and old gathered to honour the brave troops of past and present.

Alnwick marked the national event with a march through the town, which included Army and Air Force cadets, together with representatives of military associations and the Newcastle City Pipe Band. The Duke of Northumberland took the salute.

The lowering of the Union flag from above the Northumberland Hall took place on Saturday evening, accompanied by a bugler sounding Sunset.
The flag had been flying in the town all week.

Mayor of Alnwick Eileen Blakey said: "It was a great week of celebrating our armed forces past and present. The march past was very well received and everybody thought it was a lovely touch."

She added: "We will definitely do something next year and some of the veterans have said they want to form a sub-committee to prepare for next year, which is excellent."

In Amble, Army cadets from Broomhill and Amble performed drills and displays. There was a hornpipe display from Ashington Sea Cadets, musical entertainment from Heaton Voices Community Choir and a tug of war between the forces.

Four Union flags also flew in Amble Town Square, while Rev John Pugh, of Trinity Methodist Church, opened the event with a moving speech to remember the forces.
Louise Stott, project officer at Amble Development Trust, said: "Next year we want to make it bigger and better."