ARMED Forces Day served as a reminder of the challenges many servicemen and women continue to face today.

A number of events took place across the county for the event, which is held each year for the public to show their support to the military.

Hundreds of people gathered inWantage, Carterton, Banbury and Witney town centres to pay tribute to those who keep us safe at home and overseas.

In Carterton, scores of families attended a fun day event at the recreation ground off Alvescot Road.

Among those represented with stalls was the Royal Air Forces Association, which supports serving and veteran RAF servicemen and women.

Anthony Burnham-Bamford, of RAFA, told the Oxford Mail that the day was fun but had a serious side, helping to bring the role of military personnel to the forefront of people’s minds.

Mr Burnham-Bamford, a mechanical transport driver based at RAF Brize Norton, said: “We were out raising funds which will predominantly be spent on welfare for those serving in the RAF.

“Welfare can be anything, and one of the big things at the moment is our befriending service. Volunteers go out and see serving members or veterans and have a chat and a cup of coffee.”

He said that many members of the armed forces – or former members – struggled with loneliness.

Mr Burnham Bamford also said the association helped with more practical issues like help purchasing a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Families also flocked to the centre of Wantage where entertainment was on offer for the whole family, starting with a march led by town mayor Chris McCarthy.

Banbury residents turned out in force on Saturday to pay tribute to the country’s service men and women.

Thousands of people attended an action-packed Armed Forces Day – and were thrilled by the highlight of the show: a Spitfire flypast.

Council leader Kieron Mallon said: “Armed Forces Days in Banbury are some of the best in the country. This year was another very special day and we are grateful to everyone who took part in the event and to those who turned out to watch. People showed their pride in the armed forces.”