THE Royal Navy made it a day to remember in Scarborough when the town celebrated Armed Forces Day a week early.

Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Band Scotland gave a 40-minute performance and the Royal Marines Fitness Challenge and Climbing Tower gave Yorkshire people a chance to show their physical prowess after the seaside resort’s annual event was named as a Naval Regional Commander keystone event.

Other servicemen and women who delighted the crowds included the Royal Navy Reserve Calliope and Ceres, veterans, cadets, the Yorkshire Volunteers Band, uniformed youth and the Royal British Legion Riders Club.

Coun Tom Fox, leader of Scarborough Borough Council and chairman of Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day steering group, said: “Scarborough celebrates Armed Forces Day as it is an opportunity to do two things. Firstly, it raises public awareness and highlights the outstanding contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s armed forces. Secondly, it gives the town and the whole borough the opportunity to say thank you to the men and women of the armed forces community, which includes serving personnel and their families, veterans and the cadet forces.”

Armed Forces Day itself will be on Saturday, but several events occurred up and down the country last weekend.