IT WAS the day Oxfordshire stood up and saluted the work of British troops around the world.

Armed Forces Day has grown in profile since it was first set up in 2009, and this year marked Oxfordshire’s biggest celebration yet of the work carried out every day by our soldiers, sailors and airmen.

With Oxfordshire troops currently serving on missions in Afghanistan and Libya, the public came out to show their support.

In Wallingford, children were able to clamber around a Puma helicopter on the Kinecroft, after a flypast and a town hall ceremony marking the unveiling of a new regimental badge honouring The Rifles, who have the freedom of the town.

Ex-serviceman Derek Skinner, 77, who served in Kenya and Suez in the 1950s, said: “I am very keen that our forces should be supported well.

“Nobody thinks much about them until there is trouble, and then we cannot do without them.

“Remembrance Day is about remembering all the people who died everywhere to keep us the country we are today, but this day is about public recognition for all they do.”

Wantage ACF cadet Ryan Haynes, 14, said: “It is a good day to get everyone together, and it give us a chance to speak to experienced soldiers.

“We can meet up and enjoy doing what we do best.”

Flight Lieutenant Alan Ross, from 230 Squadron at RAF Benson, spent the day showing youngsters around his Puma helicopter.

He said: “It is always nice to interact with the public to make them more aware of our armed forces, and it is exciting for them to see something they would only ever see on a video game.”

In Abingdon, where a Market Square flag raising ceremony marked the day, mayor Mike Badcock praised the troops stationed at nearby Dalton Barracks.

He said: “It is quite simple, they are our armed forces, and they deserve our support on every possible occasion.

“It is good that we have a good link between the town and the camp.

“They come into Abingdon, they support our shops and industry, and their kids go to our schools.

“All the while, they are doing a job for all of us, and we are so proud of them for doing it.”