Soldiers are being treated to a day out with their families with free tickets to the Suffolk Show 2013.

Military equipment and endeavour will be among the highlights of the annual agricultural showpiece and, to show their gratitude, the Suffolk Agricultural Association (SAA) has donated 400 family tickets for Suffolk and Essex based soldiers.

Military involvement in the show includes sappers from Woodbridge-based 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) staging a bridge building competition and a Wattisham-based Apache attack helicopter on static display.

Reservist ground crew from Bury St Edmunds-based 6 Regiment Army Air Corps (Volunteers) will be demonstrating arming the Apache.

Christopher Bushby, SAA executive director, said: “We recognise that there are a lot of service personnel based in Suffolk and it is important that we recognise their efforts on behalf of the country and give something back to them and their families.” The tickets will be shared among troops based at Wattisham, Honington, Woodbridge and Colchester.

Brigadier Giles Hill, Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “The Suffolk Show is a hugely significant event for the local community, and we in the military form a part of that community.

“This donation of tickets is a wonderful gesture and I would like to thank the Suffolk Agricultural Association for their generosity.

“I am certain that our soldiers and their families will have a really enjoyable day out.”

The Suffolk Show runs on Wednesday and Thursday at Ipswich’s Trinity Park.