More than 5,000 people turned out to celebrate Luton's first Veteran's Day in St George's Square on Saturday.

Former service men and women proudly lined the streets in the town centre for a minute of silence, after Luton Mayor Councillor Norris Bullock opened the event.

Visitors to the Veteran's Day then enjoyed a drill display by the 2465 Icknield Squadron ATC, as well as music from the Harpenden Pipe band, and Luton's Sea Cadets, who also presented an impressive display for Veterans.

Beat the Retreat and a Drum Head Service, with a Parade Of Standards, brought the day to a close.

Vauxhall Male Voice Choir led the singing at the Drum Head service.

Luton And District Combined Ex Services Association (CESA), which was only formed in February, organised the event in conjunction with Luton Borough Council, the Veterans Agency and the Ministry Of Defence.

The Veteran's Day celebrations will now become an annual event in Luton.

A dvd of the celebrations on Saturday and pictures from the event will soon be available to buy from Mr Bavister on 01582 651770.

For a full picture report from the event, see the July 11 edition of the Luton News