Despite a sunny morning, Medway's Armed Forces Day has been forced to shut early because of the weather conditions.

The celebrations got underway in the sunshine at the Great Lines this morning with tanks, drummers and a gruelling 56-mile bike ride.

But following heavy rain, thunder and lightning the event has now finished, an hour and a half ahead of schedule.

Thousands of visitors enjoyed the activities at the Great Lines Heritage Park at the events which honours the service of past and present Forces personnel and raises money for charities.

There were plenty of things for children to do including a bridge building competition, rides and an obstacle course.

The Drums Corp of the Royal Logistics Corps were due to perform and there was a number of trade and food and drink stalls.

Former sapper Steve Craddock, Help for Heroes fundraiser organised the Cycle 4 Heroes event which set off this morning and were due back at 3pm.

He said: “I started a bicycle ride on Armed Forces Day last year and had 120 riders. We have more than doubled that this year. We have 20 wounded lads, including amputees, riding with us."

The Armed Forces Day parade at 12.30pm featured soldiers, veterans, cadets and the Band of the Royal Logistics Corp.

Ladies from the Brompton Military Wives Choir have set up a fundraising cake stall and people can donate as much as they like for a cupcake.

They said: "We're raising money for the wives' choir and it's been really busy so far and we've done really well.

"It's great to advertise what the British army do and hopefully we'll also be able to get more people to join the choir."

Among the charities at the event today is Scotty's Little Soldiers which supports bereaved British Forces children.

Dave Berry from the charity said: "Not many people know about us but where there's an army child, we are there, from the time they are born until they are 18.

"We make sure they get Christmas presents, birthday presents, Easter eggs, we take them on holiday free of charge - everything their parents would have done if they were still here."

The charity was set up by Nikki Scott in memory of her husband Corporal Lee Scott.