The sun comes out for Armed Forces Day. Matt Hurst reports

CROWDS gathered at the Pier Head as the city marked Armed Forces Day in a week that saw three Merseyside soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Civic dignitaries, veterans and serving soldiers came together in a celebration that was tinged with the sadness of losing Private Douglas Niall Halliday, 20, from Wallasey, Private Alex Isaac, 20, from Wirral, and Colour Sergeant Martyn Simon Horton, 34, from Runcorn, last Wednesday.

On Saturday, a service was held at the Anglican Cathedral from 11am to noon before forces veterans joined serving soldiers for a march along Hope Street to the Catholic Cathedral.

Bolstered by the summer sun, onlookers watched as the men and women paraded in their best uniforms and shined boots.

They were joined by passengers from the docked liner, Discovery.

Lord Mayor Cllr Hazel Williams said: “I’m delighted that we are officially celebrating our wonderful servicemen and women, our cadets and veterans and acknowledging the commitment, dedication and skills of the armed forces. I am immensely proud of the service they give to the city and our country.”

On both Saturday and Sunday, between 11am and 5pm, the Pier Head was transformed for an event to highlight the important relationship between the armed forces and Merchant Navy.

Marquees were erected and two World War II vehicles were on display, while the Band of the Parachute Regiment produced rousing performances on both afternoons.