Falmouth ready for Armed Forces Day as children get up close with military kit

The military is preparing behind the scenes for a big weekend of celebrations and parades to mark Armed Forces Day.

Ahead of the Armed Forces Day national event in Falmouth, Cornwall, schoolchildren were welcomed to the 'Military Village' that has been set up in the town where they were invited to see ships, vehicles and aircraft.

Pupils got a first look at some of the military's most impressive pieces of kit as part of an educational STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, day.

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They were in Falmouth to learn more about how the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force operate, and the types of jobs in the services that could be available to them in the future.

The Military Village showcases vehicles, kit, offers interactive demonstrations, and will be open to members of the public throughout the weekend.

The Navy's HMS Richmond, the Army's Warrior armoured vehicle, and an RAF Typhoon replica are all on show for the event.

Saturday will see an opening ceremony and a salute with a flypast from the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows aerial display team. 

There will also be a full military parade through the streets of Falmouth, involving Armed Forces bands, regular and reserve personnel from all three services, cadets and veterans.

The excitement is already building among participants and spectators.

Armed Forces Day brings to a close a week of military-themed events and celebrations in honour of Britain's military personnel, and Cornwall Council says it will involve the county's largest and longest-ever military parade.