A MEMBER of the government’s top brass was on duty at a military celebration in Fawley on Saturday.

Fawley Parish Council welcomed the new Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Philip Dunne MP, to their Armed Forces Day held at Gang Warily Recreation Centre During his visit, the Minister met representatives from Blackfield Army Cadets, Hythe Air Cadets, Hampshire Constabulary Police Cadets, Pilgrim Bandits Services Charity and Normandy Veteran, Eric Pass.

The minister and Mr Pass also conducted a question-and-answer session with children from local schools.

Mr Dunne was accompanied by his Assistant Private Secretary Julian Moore, an Army Reservist with the Royal Yeomanry.

Also in attendance were New Forest East MP, Dr Julian Lewis the newly elected chairman of the Commons Defence Select Committee, chairman of the New Forest District Council Chairman Alison Hoare, Hampshire County Councillor Phillip Fawkes and members of Fawley Parish Council.

The free event featured information stands, bouncy castles, fairground rides, armoured vehicle rides, a rugby taster session and live entertainment.

The organisers thanked the MOD, County Councillor Phillip Fawkes and ExxonMobil for supporting the event The parish council have already set a provisional date for next year’s Armed Forces Day Saturday, June 25, and would like feedback from the public on how to make it bigger and better. Send your views to clerk@fawleyparishcouncil.org.uk.