COMMUNITIES across Oxfordshire came together to celebrate the armed forces.

A number of events took place across the county on Saturday for Armed Forces Day – held each year for the public to show their support for the military.

Hundreds of people flocked to events in Wantage, Carterton, Banbury and Witney 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 were the Royal Air Forces Association, which supports serving and veteran RAF servicemen and women.

Youngsters enjoyed go-karting, zorbing, giant bubbles, mountain climbing and other activities at the event, which celebrates the close links many in the community have to RAF Brize Norton.

People in Wantage joined an event in the town centre which began with a parade led by the town’s mayor Chris McCarthy.

Throughout the afternoon there were a number of military displays, a climbing wall, inflatables and even sumo wrestling and jousting.

People at the event in Banbury enjoyed a Spitfire flypast as part of the day.

Deputy police and crime commissioner Matthew Barber, who joined the fun, said it was a beautiful day and well-attended event.

County councillor Liam Walker, who was pictured celebrating in Witney, took the opportunity to thank both veterans and all those currently serving in the armed forces on behalf of their country.