6:44PM, Sat Jun 30, 2012

Armed Forces Day In Newcastle: Hundreds Turn Out To Mark The Occasion At Exhibition Park

By Joe Daunt Location: Exhibition Park, Newcastle

Video: Hundreds turn out to pay tribute to the Armed Forces

Hundreds of people paid tribute to servicemen and women at Exhibition Park in Newcastle for Armed Forces Day

People were able to find out information about joining the Armed Forces as well as speak to those currently in the armed forces.

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex also made an appearance at the event in her role as Honorary Colonel-in-Chief of Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps.

Commander Andy Collier of HMS Calliope in Gateshead said: “It has been great. There have been a lot of smiling faces of families and friends.

“We have also had a broader set of people being drawn to the event to see what the Armed Forces can do for them.”

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Jackie Slessenger said: "There is a wonderful spirit in the Armed Forces and I am amazed at some of the courage and conviction of some of the young people."