SERVICE personnel of all ages were warmly cheered as they marched through Tiverton on Saturday when the town marked Armed Forces Day.

Around 40 retired or current servicemen were led by a lone piper through Fore Street to the Royal British Legion headquarters on Angel Hill.

A short service was conducted in Phoenix Lane at 12.15am, when a speech was given by Mayor of Tiverton Cllr Paul Graham, prayers were said by the Rev Alan Rothwell and a short speech was given by district and town councillor Alan Griffiths, himself an ex-naval man.

Col Tim Courtenay, who was among those marching, said: "It was lovely to see the people from Tiverton turn out. We have a marvellous ex-service community here from all the different services.

"The purpose of the day is to recognise service from all eras, from those who took part in D-Day right through to those involved today in active service in Afghanistan."

Col Courtenay, who served for 30 years in the Royal Marines, is also the honorary colonel of the Devon Army Cadet Force and said he was pleased to see so many younger people supporting the day.

The ranks of Tiverton Air Training Corps walked in formation behind the retired servicemen and were joined by 17-year-old James Dearing, who is about to embark on the very beginning of his Army career. James is set to pass out from Harrogate in six weeks to join the Royal Artillery. He said the day was a good way of "bringing the service of our troops into the public eye a bit more."

He added: "I have wanted to be in the Army since having an Action Man when I was younger and I was in the air cadets for four and a half-years before I started my Army training."

Cllr Tom Lindus, one of a number of members of Tiverton town council with military experience, said: "I was very pleased with the response of all the shoppers who clapped as we passed them in Fore Street.

"For a first time, I though it went very well and I hope we will be able to build on it next year."

Cllr Paul Graham said he had felt proud to be part of the occasion.

"To see so many gentlemen, who over the years have served their country so well, makes you realise just how many people have given service in this way," he said.

Cllr Graham said he hoped the day would become an annual event and said it was not just about recognising ex-servicemen, but also current servicemen, those who would make a contribution in the future and also families who have made sacrifices.

Chris Firth, manager of the Tiverton Pannier Market, who helped to organise the event, said he had been pleased with how the day had been observed.

"Not many towns in Devon did anything to mark Armed Forces Day, and we are looking forward to developing it for next year and subsequent years.

"All those people who took part said they enjoyed marching through the town and they want to come back next year."

Mr Firth said Saturday morning shoppers in the pannier market and in local shops had spontaneously clapped to show a mark of respect for those who were marching.

Armed Forces Day was formerly known as Veterans Day.

But its name was changed last year to raise awareness and appreciation for those on active duty as well as those who have served in the past.