THOUSANDS of families, couples, tourists and enthusiasts spent a day amongst all things military during the KM War and Peace Show.

The show, billed as the biggest military display in the world, arrived at the Hop Farm Country Park in Beltring, near Paddock Wood, with more than 3,500 military vehicles, as well as hundreds of other wartime attractions, on show.

Visitors came from far and wide, from locations such as London, Suffolk, the USA, France, Germany, Scotland and Holland.

One two-year-old boy had travelled from Romford in Essex in full armed uniform with his father, who had been planning for the event all year.

"I’ve been doing it for four years and thought, now he’s old enough to dress up, he could come along too," said Alex Munday of son Benjamin.

Representatives from the East of England Military Museum, the Ex-Military Land Rover Association and the Vietnam Collectors Association were to be found camped out.

And the family element of the event was evident in the funfair and refreshment stands.

Steven Tagg , 38, from Maidstone and his daughter Bethany, 11, were visiting for the first time together.

"I came last year and was just into the stuff - nice boys’ toys," said Mr Tagg. "I just thought she might like to see for herself.

"History can be deadly in class but if you go and see it it’s much more interesting."

Bethany added: "I think it’s quite nice, I like all the army stuff. I like history at school."

The event included varied stands and exhibitions.

Earle Weskin from Sheerness was attending as part of Das Heer - The Army in German - which focuses on 27th Infantry German soldiers from the early part of the war.

"Most of the guys started as collectors. The thing is, once you start collecting it gets more," said Mr Weskin, whose German name is Weisser.

"Every guy tries to give a standard background to an ordinary guy pulled from their jobs.

"We get the best response from the British vets, that’s been my experience. They’re fascinated to see the equipment again. It stirs memories. The bad memories don’t come out."

The event ran until Sunday and was expected to attract more than 100,000 people.