CROWDS lined the streets to praise servicemen and women on the seventh annual Armed Forces Day.

New Road was a hub of activity, beginning with a parade of veterans and cadets at 11am on Saturday.

The ceremony – held in memory of those who gave their lives for freedom and serving personnel – was attended by dignitaries including Juliet Smith, the High Sheriff of East Sussex. The march through the street was followed by 1940s musicperformed by bands Vintage Hot 5 and Hoochie Tooots and other entertainment took place in the street until 4pm.

Children from Stanford Junior School pupils performed First World War songs and poems in the Unitarian Church from 1.30pm.

There were talks about Brighton during the war – when the Royal Pavilion was turned into a military hospital caring for Indian troops. and letters written by Indian soldiers who were treated there were read out.

An exhibition about the Chattri memorial, situated on the South Downs north of Patcham, was also on display in the Dome café bar in Church Street.

Events also took place to mark Armed Forces Day in Seaford, Littlehampton, Crawley, Fontwell.