THE sun shone and the crowds turned out to honour UK Armed Forces at a series of events across south Essex designed to say thank you to those who serve their country.

In Southend yesterday, veterans with the Royal British Legion, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets led the march from the railway bridge on High Street up to Victoria Circus on Saturday morning, where a service was conducted by Rev Frank Smith of the Royal Artillery Association with mayor Andrew Moring.

A parade also took place on Canvey, marching from Castle View School to the Paddocks Centre, and military vehicles were displayed on City Beach in Southend – while the last airworthy Vulcan bomber flew overhead.

PICTURE SPECIAL IN MONDAY'S ECHO