CANVEY is gearing up for a celebration that will see members of the armed forces, past, present and future, march shoulder to shoulder through the town’s centre.

A host of veterans and current soldiers including Chelsea pensioners, former Gurkhas and soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment will take part in the 700-metre parade.

The march will be led by Canvey’s Air Force Cadet band, bringing together representatives from all generations of the military.

Canvey councillor Neville Watson, who is helping to organise the event, said: “Everyone is really looking forward to it and working hard to make sure it is a parade to remember.

“Hopefully it will help people embrace the hard work our soldiers do in foreign fields fighting for us.”

The parade will start from Furtherwick School at 10am on Saturday and head through the town centre before finishing at the Paddocks in Long Road.

Two vintage buses from the Canvey Bus Museum will bring up the rear, providing transport for all those who are unable to walk the route.

A number of other organisations will also be represented, including the emergency services, youth groups and veterans from the Royal British Legion.

At the conclusion of the parade a service will be held by Falklands veteran Reverend Dave Pickett of the Thundersley Congregational Church.

Celebrations are being held throughout the country this Saturday to mark the first Armed Forces Day, which celebrates the work of UK military personnel.