Generations of heroic servicemen who put their lives on the line to fight for Britain were celebrated over the weekend by the people of Bradford.

War veterans from around the district swapped stories and immersed themselves in camaraderie at a special Veterans' Weekend organised by Bradford Council.

Hundreds of people went along to the event to hear the tales of some of the glittering military careers of around 150 veterans who were invited to the event in Centenary Square.

Past and present members of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Engineers, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers' Association, British Legion, St John Ambulance, Sea Cadets and Chelsea Pensioners attended the event.

A programme of music included the Bradford Metropolitan Concert Band on stage outside City Hall. There was a collection of original British military uniforms, equipment and vehicles on display - and the sky was brought to life by a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

In his programme notes for the event, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Robin Owens, wrote of a "unique opportunity" to discover the sacrifices servicemen have made to protect us.

Loraine Radcliffe, manager of the Lord Mayor's office at the Council, said: "We are trying as a city to open the lines of communication, to get people talking with one another about what they have got to offer and what they have done.

"Children have shown a lot of interest in asking about medals, vehicles and aircraft."

Chelsea Pensioner Dougie Mann, 77, served in Germany, Egypt, Korea, Malaya and Japan during 40 years of service. He said: "I cannot believe the amount of interest being shown, it's marvellous and shows the character of the locality. It brings to the fore our heritage and the fact that we can come together to meet any eventuality or disaster the world throws at us."

Matthew Hall, 86, of Idle, served in Malaya, Cyprus, Germany and the UK for 25 years as a member of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association.

He said: "It's absolutely wonderful that the city of Bradford has gone to all this trouble to recognise the veterans."

Sam Brodie, 16, leading cadet at the Bradford Sea Cadets, said: "It's great to get everyone together to talk about the different services and the people here are an inspiration to me to achieve more in the services."

e-mail: ben.barnett @bradford.newsquest.co.uk