Silence fell across Dorchester Borough Gardens on Saturday as the community gathered to honour servicemen and women.

Veterans, serving personnel and members of the public gathered at the bandstand for a special service to mark the town's Armed Forces Day.

Keith Mullen, from the Dorchester Armed Forces Committee said seeing people come together to honour service personnel was "brilliant" and "what it's all about".

"It's important to support the services. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for a ex-service men and women.

"The day is about making people aware of the contribution service personnel make to society - not just when they're serving but afterwards too," he said.

The service was opened by Reverend Richard Press who said the day was to remember and give thanks to the men and women who have served, continue to serve or have yet to serve in the armed forces.

He added this year's service was particularly poignant as 2018 marked two centenaries - the end of World War One and the creation of the Royal Air Force.

"We who have not served owe a massive debt of gratitude to those who have. They have defended the basic freedoms we so often take for granted," Rev Press said.

The service included a selection of hymns and readings as well as a trumpet performance of 'The Last Post' followed by a commemorative silence.

The Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr David Taylor attended the service and gave a reading.

Addressing the crowd he said: "The armed forces serve all over the world often in dangerous situations, supporting humanitarian and peacekeeping missions as well as protecting the UK.

"Our support of them is vital."

Vice chair of the Dorchester Royal Naval Association, Ken Knight said Armed Forces Day served to raise awareness of the forces and bring personnel together.

"We've got a mixture of ages and a mixture of experience. Days like this encourage people to join the forces and shows that life doesn't end when you leave the services."

Standard bearer, Michael Jones attended Armed Forces Day services across the county and comes to the Dorchester service every year.

He said: "Armed Forces Day has got to be important. It's the only day that amalgamates the three forces together."

The service was followed by an afternoon of musical entertainment, provided by The Durnovaria Silver Band.

See all the pictures from the event here.