ARMED Forces Day this year took on even more importance as it marked the 80th anniversary of RAF Odiham.

Residents packed out the village’s High Street, lining the pavement and hanging from windows, to show their pride in the armed forces.

A parade headed through the streets before a brief speech from RAF Odiham, North East Hampshire MP, Ranil Jayawardena and Odiham Parish Council (OPC)’s chairman Cllr Jon Hale.

After the parade, a mini-music festival called ‘Bands in the Bury’ kicked off - organised by local organisation InOdiham which promotes the village.

Odiham Cake Company also took up the parish council’s challenge to create a cake big enough to feed everyone who attended the event.

It also saw the launch of OPC’s new community award scheme - which recognised with its first-ever award all personnel of RAF Odiham.

Armed Forces Day was organised by the parish council, local businesses, the scouts, RAF Odiham and All Saints Church.

Odiham firm Lincad financially supported proceedings.

Cllr Hale said: “Odiham is hugely proud to be home to the UK’s Chinook Force and our community turned out on mass to see them parade along our High Street.

“It is my understanding that RAF Odiham is the most decorated RAF base in the country.

“Which is a testament to the efforts of all who service there, as they epitomise the very best of our nation’s armed forces.

“Armed Forces Day is our opportunity to show them and their colleague throughout the services our gratitude for all that they do.”