They had served their country in places ranging from the Burmese jungle to the deserts of Aden - and now it was time for city residents to show their appreciation.

Remembrance Day, in November, is a sombre affair but the new event only established three years ago was more upbeat, designed to celebrate the work of the armed forces.

Following the parade and speeches outside the Town Hall, cheerful ex-servicemen and women, smartly dressed and displaying their medals, nattered over a sandwich at a special reception.

And they spent the afternoon in the open air, enjoying wartime-themed dances in the Peace Gardens. The Town Hall also hosted an exhibition which included images and memorabilia from veterans.

Lord Mayor of Sheffield Coun Jane Bird told the parade from the Town Hall: "Sheffield is proud of its veterans and the sacrifice made. It's time to express our gratitude."

Veterans set off on their short journey, proudly bearing standards of the different ex-service associations and Royal British Legion, accompanied by Woodhouse Brass Band, which played a marching tune.

Crowds of people lined the parade route from Millennium Square through the Peace Gardens to the Town Hall and clapped as the veterans passed by.

Those watching ranged from people with a military connection to families and passing shoppers interested in the spectacle.

Off-duty Sheffield policeman David Warwick, whose father-in-law fought in Korea, and was with his young family, said he felt it was important for his children to understand the sacrifice of the armed forces.

PC Warwick, based at Meersbrook, added: "As a police officer, taking on football hooligans can take backbone but to brave bullets requires quite some courage. These people should be supported."

Fellow spectator Richard Pascoe's father was in the Normandy landings during World War Two. "I lost him a few years ago and attending events like this keeps his memory alive," he said.

Mr Pascoe, from Pitsmoor, was accompanied by Julie Alicandro, whose great grandfather Herbert Carr was killed in the Battle of the Somme, in World War One.

Christine Wain, from Handsworth, was out shopping with her family and stopped to watch the parade. Her granddaughter Shanice, eight, was so interested she wanted to have a look at the exhibition.

Also watching was Bill Loftus, from Dinnington, who spent 17 years in the Household Cavalry, serving in Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Germany.

While he was impressed with the turnout, he felt there should have been more involvement from younger veterans - not represented in the parade.

Vince McDonagh, secretary of Sheffield and District Joint Council of Ex-Service Associations and a Royal Navy veteran, said: "It's the first year we've had a parade and I think it's gone quite well.

"We kept it simple but will be trying to build it up in future years. We want to attract people who've been in campaigns such as the Falklands and both Gulf Wars."

Fred Powell, chairman of the joint council, praised Sheffield Council for agreeing to fund the event.

The authority faced criticism last year after not stepping in to finance a full celebration when funding did not materialise from the national Veterans' Agency - although then Lord Mayor Coun Arthur Dunworth laid on a civic reception.

"Next year will be better still," Mr Powell promised.

Were you there? Let us know what you thought of the event by adding a comment below.

Click on the green icon above to see our slideshow from the event.

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