HUNDREDS of spectators lined the streets of Wareham to watch the first armed forces parade through the Purbeck town for six years.

Soldiers from The Armour Centre, Bovington, and the Old Boys’ Association of the Junior Leaders’ Regiment, Royal Armoured Corp, took part in Friday’s parade.

Councillor Bill Trite, chairman of Purbeck District Council, said: “Our armed forces based in Bovington and Lulworth discharge a crucial function in ensuring our nation’s safety, so we are profoundly grateful for their services and their dedication over very many years.”

The Armour Centre at Bovington is an integral base for the British Army’s tank-crew training, and the last time they marched through Wareham was 2010.

The parade, involving troops from Bovington and Lulworth, preceded Armed Forces Day, which takes place on Saturday.

Bovington Garrison commander Colonel Gordon Judd said: “This is a particularly important year for the Armour Centre and Bovington Garrison, marking both the centenary of the Armour Centre, established in 1916, and the 100th anniversary of the first use of the tank in war by the British Army.”

The British Army was the first army to employ tanks, at the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the larger Battle of the Somme.

“We greatly value our links with the people of Purbeck who have given us such valued support over the years,” said Colonel Judd.

The parade started at South Bridge, Wareham, before moving along South Street and North Street to the town hall.

Troops were led by The Band of Household Cavalry and marched with bayonets fixed, accompanied by a selection of armoured fighting vehicles.