A huge community gala will take place in St Neots on Saturday to mark Armed Forces Day.

The event, which takes place on Regatta Meadow, on the Crosshall Road side of the river, will include more than 30 classic cars and bikes, as well as military tanks, jeeps and trucks.

VIP guests include Aileen Guy, from St Neots, whose son, corporal Alex Guy of the 1st Battalion of The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan in June 2012.

Huntingdon MP Jonathan Djanogly and the Chelsea Pensioners as well as representatives from the ambulance and fire services will also attend.

“Mrs Guy will take part in the formal opening ceremony and carry out an inspection of the parade,” said Karen Pollecutt, from St Neots Town Council, which is organising the gala.

“We are encouraging visitors to come along in 1940s dress and also enter our best dressed competition with prizes sponsored by Habbydays.

Entertainment will be provided by the Rockabellas, The Galaxy Big Band, Luna Nightingale and the Langdale dance school. There will be a military flypast, a 40s dress competition, vintage stalls and food and drink.

The event runs from midday till 6pm, entry is free and parking is £2 all day.

Events to mark Armed Forces Day took place around the UK in recognition of the event, with a national event taking place in Liverpool on June 24. The day is held to honour UK servicemen and woman, their families, cadets, reservists and veterans.