SERVICEMEN and women descended on Thornbury to the sound of drums, cheers and heartfelt applause in a major civic parade in the town.

Around 1,000 people turned out to welcome service personnel - from all three branches of the Armed Forces - to the town on Saturday.

Members of the forces set up displays in the St Mary shopping centre and answered questions from residents.

A march was also led through the town by the military band from the Light Cavalry with members of the Royal British Legion and cadet forces.

Town councillors organised the event so the town could show its appreciation to the armed forces.

Mayor of Thornbury Bob Griffin said: "The parade was absolutely super, just what we had hoped for.

"The town really turned out in force to show how proud we are of our servicemen and women, to acknowledge their bravery and the sacrifices which they and their families make on our behalf.

"People lined the High Street waving their flags and voicing their support for the men and women. I know the forces were very grateful."

The council had originally hoped the parade would have included members of the Armed Forces who had just returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

But the Ministry of Defence had put off an approach for servicemen and women because, they said, their units were so stretched.

Instead, plans were drawn out for a combined Forces display with a march through the town.

Mr Griffin said: "We still had a really good number of servicemen and women attend the event.

"In the circumstances they offered a suitable and symbolic representation we were honoured to host."