In Pictures: Armed Forces Day

The first Armed Forces Day has been marked by hundreds of events around the UK. The national celebration was held at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham, Kent.

While the prime minister was in Kent, the Queen was in Edinburgh presenting medals to members of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

The Queen sent messages of "deep and enduring gratitude" to Britain's past and present soldiers, sailors and airmen and women.

A Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane made an impressive appearance over the Kent skies.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who was with his wife Sarah, announced that next year's event would be held in Cardiff.

Some 30,000 spectators turned out at the national celebration, while about 200 other events were held in towns and cities around the UK.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said the day would be a "huge fillip" to troops.

There was a week of celebrations in the run-up to the big day, with thousands of special flags flown by councils, businesses, schools and homes.

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