The importance of the public’s support for the armed forces has been stressed by Britain’s top soldier.

Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff, was commenting after he took the salute at the Territorial Army’s centenary parade and thanksgiving service in Canterbury.

He has thanked the people of Kent for demonstrating “such a wonderful display of support ” at the event earlier this month.

In a letter to the Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett, who led the Kent celebrations, Gen Dannatt said: “The balance of veterans, serving territorials and cadets displayed a strong message of Kent’s proud military history and of continuing into the future.

“Demonstrations of public support for the armed forces are incredibly important, especially when we are busy with two campaigns that are not perhaps widely understood by the general public.”