IT was a momentous day when hundreds of residents gathered in Ringwood to watch a World War Two plane fly over them to mark Armed Forces Day.

Visitors were captivated by the Spitfire which flew over the crowds at Carvers Playing Field as children pointed to the skies as parents looked on.

Though news broke earlier in the year that the mighty Dakota wouldn't be there, it didn't seem to hold people back from revelling in the day.

There were all manner of stalls selling wooden crafts, trinkets and gifts, as well as information stalls.

Members of the East Dorset and Ringwood branch of the Retirement Fellowship were on hand to give out advice, while representatives from the Happy Dogs charity, Fleet Air Arm Association, and Driving Miss Daisy were present.

Visitors could take part in the lucky dip, enjoy hooking a duck and the inflatable slide and bouncy castle as well as a number of fairground rides such as the teacups, trampolines and 'the sizzler'.

But it was the cannon fire that seemed to get everyone jumping off the ground with both excitement and surprise.

Members of the Nothe Fort Artillery Volunteers - a 19th century field artillery gun group - gave several impressive demonstrations, finishing with a bang at the moment of the flypast.

Group member Andy White said: "We got invited last year - they were really impressed so they asked us back. It's just one of our events we do across the area."

The event was organised by the Ringwood Events Committee. Organiser Steve Nash said: "It has been a really good day. We're going to grow it year-on-year and the weather was kind to us so we were really pleased.

"It wouldn't all be possible if it were not for the generous donations from the Ministry of Defence. They have us £4,600.

"The cannon fire has been interesting - watching people jump three feet off the floor every time it fired. The singers - GI 45 - have been really good as well."