Serving armed forces personnel joined together with veterans for a parade along Douglas seafront to mark Armed Forces Day on Sunday.

The route was lined with residents celebrating the service, past and present, of Manx members of the military.

The parade also included cadets, representatives from the emergency services and students from each of the Department of Education and Children’s five secondary schools.

A multi- denominational church service led by Archdeacon Andie Brown was then held at the Villa Marina, with the theme ’Peace and security for all, hard won by the few’.

Serving personnel who returned to the island for the occasion were welcomed into the Royal Hall with a standing ovation.

The day culminated in afternoon tea and an evening of entertainment.

Brigadier Norman Butler CBE chairs the Armed Forces’ Day organising committee, which has the patronage of Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Tynwald President Steve Rodan and Chief Minister Howard Quayle and is made up of representatives of all the island’s ex-service organisations.

The end of the service saw the Lieutenant Governor present a Poppy Cup to the island’s Poppy Appeal co-ordinator, Hilary Cleverley.

It is awarded to the Royal British Legion area that collected the highest amount, per head, during the annual Poppy Appeal.

This year was the 42nd time the Isle of Man branch gained the trophy.