THE FIRST Tidworth Armed Forces Day proved to be a bigger success than its organisers had hoped.

Attendees of all ages came together to enjoy the activities on offer and show their support for the Armed Forces at the sports field in St Andrews Road on Saturday. 

Tracey Jones, secretary of the Tidworth Armed Forces Day committee, said: "It was an absolutely brilliant day and there were more people than expected.

"One question we did have was why hadn't the event happened before, as Tidworth is a Garrison town.

"For me, my highlight was the Nepalese Dancers. They showed off traditional dancing and magnificent colourful costumes."

Other goings on at the free event included a mobile museum showing how things have changed over the years, giant inflatables, food outlets, free facepainting, a rugby match and the Plantagenet Medieval Society.

Fundraising efforts on the day raised money for several forces-related charities including PTSD Revolution, Shrapnel and Hounds For Heroes.

The community-led event will be returning to the town next year, with funds already in place alongside hopes to expand on its success, making the celebration even larger.

Mayor of Tidworth, Councillor Mark Connolly said: "The day went as well as we could have possible expected, in terms of people attending, the weather and the stalls.

"We have raised enough money from this event to keep it going in the future.

"We have a general meeting of the committee coming up and we will be looking for new blood to get new ideas.

"Until then, the next big family event in the town will be Tidworth Town Festival on Saturday, July 21."