A PARACHUTE jump got Swindon's Armed Forces Day 2018 off to a dramatic start.

The six army personal landed the middle of Faringdon Road Park in Swindon to mark the start of the annual event, this year commemorating the 100th anniversary of the RAF.

Other attractions included military parades by the sea cadets, World War Two costume enactments, and stalls for the public to meet veterans, and personnel still serving in the forces.

Lance Corporal George Mckai, 21, in the 280 Squadron at the Royal Logistic Corps, based next to the park, said: “It was a really good day.

"Armed Forces is showing the public what we do on a daily basis, both regular and reserves.

"Especially here in Swindon we’ve got quite a big reservist presence.

“Today’s for remembrance.

"Every day I think we should remember those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and given their lives for the freedom of others.”

Graham Jackson, who served for 15 years in the RAF and now acts as chairman of the Swindon branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “It gives veterans and serving people a chance to meet the public and hopefully create good public relations with them.

“I was told in the RAF you never jump out of a serviceable aeroplane.

"But of course the army blokes will do anything won’t they!

“Unless you experience service life you don’t realise the camaraderie.

"I go to my reunion with blokes I joined up with in 1962 but it’s all still there.

"Because we served 18 months together as boys and we went through a pretty hellish time.”

Members from the Nepalese Association in Swindon, many of whom served in the Royal Gurkha regiment, were also there.

Lal Sundar Row, who served in the Queen's Gurkha Regiment, said: “We are giving a glance to the brigade of Gurkhas who served in the British Army. Armed Forces Day should remember once a year what the army was and what it did, and what it will be doing, that is the reason I say Armed Forces Day is very important us.”

Robert Buckland, MP for Swindon South, spoke to crowds at the grand opening after the jump.

He said: “I was honoured to open Swindon Armed Forces Day 2018 and want to thank the committee for their tireless work in organising what is a celebration of our armed forces personnel and their service to our country, both past and present.”