A TRIBUTE to the armed forces will take place in Burton this weekend.

The annual Burton Armed Forces and Veterans Day will take place on Sunday in the village near Christchurch.

This year the service will be given by the Reverend Jonathon Woodhouse, the former chaplain of the British Army.

Also attending will be the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Colonel Oliver Chamberlain and Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Trish Jamieson.

This year fundraising will take place for Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

Gareth King, chairman of the organising committee said: "I would like to invite people from the surrounding areas to come to Burton and help celebrate the fantastic work the armed forces do and the work all the veterans have done in the past.

"The day is a way for people to say thank you and show their respect to our forces.

"Not only that but with activities like bouncy castles and face painting, it's a great day out for all the family."

He added: "I would also like to encourage any current members of the armed forces to come down in their uniforms and join in the parade and celebrations.

"Any member of the armed forces in uniform will receive a free drink."

A parade led by Ringwood Pipe Band will leave Burton School around 2.10pm and arrive at the village green around 2.45pm for the drumhead service.

There will be vintage World War Two vehicles on display along with volunteers from the Christchurch Marine Volunteers Service.

Christchurch District Band will also perform a selection of marches and favourite wartime songs.

The event will start at 1pm on the village green and continue until 6.30pm.

For more information go to burtonvetsday.com.