HUNDREDS of people gathered in Bradford for a poignant service to remember Armed Forces Day.

The event included parades and a two-minutes’ silence to remember the courage and bravery of the district’s military, serving both past and present.

The 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron Air Cadet Band lead a Parade of Standards into City Park to start the service.

Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire David Pearson lead the drumhead service, which was held in Centenary Square today.

He said: “The best of British are Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

“The Armed Forces have always shown unmatched bravery, daring and enterprise.

“The growth in support for Armed Forces Day makes one realise what they mean to the people."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, added: “The drumhead service marks the extraordinary sacrifice they have given in years past and in our own time.

“The drumhead service has come from special circumstances long ago, to a special place, on a special Saturday today.”

The 30-minute service was also followed by a display by the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Band, music from the Bradford Council Choir and performance poetry.

The event also included a display of military vehicles and a climbing wall.