THE countdown to one of the county’s biggest Armed Forces celebrations started at the weekend.

South Essex Armed Forces Day 2014, at Barleylands Farm, Billericay, will be held on June 21 and 22.

Members of Essex Military Support Association are organising the event and were at Barleylands to show off some of the military units and sell some tickets.

The weekend will feature flying displays from Second Word War aircraft, including the Spitfire, the Hurricane and Lancaster bomber, plus more recent Gnat trainers.

There will also be a motorbike parade and other demonstrations.

Admission is by ticket only, which are available by calling 08444 771000, or visiting essexmilitary support.com Tickets cost £10 for adults and £3.50 for under-16s, while under-fives get in free.

Special concessions are available for serving and ex-military personnel via the association.