THE armed forces were honoured at the annual Bicester Carnival as charities and community groups came together to celebrate the town’s rich military history.

This year’s event was a sunnier affair compared to last year’s wash-out, as people of all ages lined the streets to watch the famous parade.

The theme for Saturday’s carnival was ‘health’, in line with the town’s status as an NHS Healthy Town, and a number of groups dressed up and made props to promote healthy living.

Among those at the event, which coincided with Armed Forces Day, was father-of-two Chris Hendry, who settled in the town after being posted there during his time in the Army.

Mr Hendry, 27, served in the Army for seven years and was part of the 23 Pioneer Regiment of the Royal Logistics Corps as a private at St David’s Barracks before the regiment was disbanded two years ago.

He was there with his partner Hannah, son Aaron, four, and daughter Carly, three.

Mr Hendry said: “It was a great day. It was a great turnout from the town.

“I go every year and meet up with old work colleagues.”

Some of those taking part in this year’s parade included the 1st Bicester Intrepid Scout group, Bicester Elite Cheer United (ECU) and the Air Cadets marching band taking pride of place at the front.

Bicester ECU proved victorious as the squad took home the title of best 'healthy' parade float, which came fit with its very own flower pot men.

A flag-raising ceremony in Bicester on Friday was also staged to salute service personnel living in the town ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

Bicester Town Council raised the flag outside its Garth Park offices and a crowd of people from the community attended to show their thanks and respect for all service personnel past and present.

Among them was town mayor Les Sibley, who said: "The flag raising ceremony is a special event to honour and recognise all of those who have served in the Armed Forces.

"Bicester is a historic garrison town which has had a long and close relationship with the military.

"It is occasions such as this which are our way of saying thank you to all the past and present gallant men and women who have served and now serve in our armed forces."

Mr Sibley also attended the carnival and arrived in style on board a mini train among those marching.

He added: "It was a terrific day and the sunshine was out for this year all the way through.

"I would be surprised if it wasn't a record turn out this year for the event.

"It was a perfect double celebration over the weekend of the town's military personnel past and present."