VETERANS and active soldiers joined together to celebrate the country’s first Armed Forces Day last weekend.

At Broughton House, the home for ex-servicemen and women, more than 400 people turned out for a day of activities.

There were performances from the Fusilier Association Band, the Pipes and Drums of the Army Cadets for Manchester and the Air Training Corp Squadron band.

Youngsters were kept entertained with bouncy castles, climbing walls, face painting, clowns and paintballing.

Colonel David Kirkwood, chief executive of the Park Lane home, said: "We had people from sheltered housing, youth groups, cadets, local people and veterans, we had quite a number of Second World War veterans.

"The residents thoroughly enjoyed it, we had residents who made cakes during cookery lessons and sold them during the day.

"It was wonderful and the great thing was there was an interface between the veterans and young people.

"A lot of our veterans are living history and one, Peter Wilson, was lieutenant commander during the war and he was there when the Japanese surrender was signed.

"We also had D Day veterans talking to the youngsters.

"We remembered the people who didn’t make it, who gave their todays for our tomorrows."

The event raised £2,722 for Broughton House, a registered charity.

A flag was raised at Swinton Civic Centre throughout last week to show the city’s support for the people who have served in the Armed Forces, past and present.

War veterans were greeted at the event by the Mayor of Salford, Councillor Roger Lightup who laid a wreath and made a speech.

The flag was raised by park ranger Brenda Smith who served in the Women’s Royal Army Corps in the 1960s.

It will now remain on show in the council chambers alongside other war memorabilia.

The Mayor of Salford, Councillor Roger Lightup, said: "I am proud to be representing Salford in joining hundreds of councils across the country to applaud our local service people of the past, present and future.

"I can think of no greater heroes than the men and women of our Armed Forces who, with their families and friends, make huge sacrifices to protect and keep peace across the world and I’d like to thank them for serving on our behalf."