THE people of Bradford were praised in their support of the armed forces as the city commemorated Armed Forces Day around the war memorial near City Park on Saturday.

The event, which highlighted Armed Forces Week and the annual Drumhead Service, was attended by members of the RAF, Navy and Army and the parade was led by Parade Marshall Craig Mitchell.

Members of Bradford Sea Cadets built an altar of drums draped with standards which provided a focal point.

Prayers were led by the Reverend Dr Jonathan Pritchard, team vicar, of Keighley, and chaplain to the Lord Mayor of Bradford. He read the 144th psalm, verses one to four.

A reflection was read by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Tim Hare.

Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Doreen Lee thanked people for attending.

She said: "I am honoured and delighted to welcome you to our annual parade of standards and Drumhead Service. It's good to see so many of you here today. I am always proud to see Bradford people coming out to support our veterans' and armed forces' event. You always do Bradford proud.

"The UK armed forces defend the UK and its interests. They are busy and working around the world promoting peace, delivering aid, tacking drug smuggling, providing security and fighting terrorism. We owe them a great debt of gratitude.

"I personally feel it is important that we continue to remember all our men and women of the armed forces both past and present and that we continue to hold these poignant events each year and today have chance to show off our support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community from currently serving troops and family, to veterans and cadets."

Offering a reflection, Mr Hare added of the event: "It's our opportunity to pay tribute to all three services and their families who do so much to keep us safe, unaware as we are on a day to day basis."

Leader of Bradford Council Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe said: "I think this (event) is a great opportunity for all the city, from all walks of life, to come together and remember the sacrifices our armed forces made in the past and continue to do to serve our country."

In City Park, Drighlington Brass Band, West Yorkshire Police Band, Otley Brass Band and Elland Silver Band entertained guests who were able to browse an array of historically-themed activities while discovering what life was like on the Home Front.