Tanks rolled across the north Essex countryside over the weekend as part of a military show.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mitchell Simpson, 12, sits behind the gun on a Abbot Self-propelled gun at a military remembrance festival in Devereux Farm in Kirby-le-Soken.Mitchell Simpson, 12, sits behind the gun on a Abbot Self-propelled gun at a military remembrance festival in Devereux Farm in Kirby-le-Soken. (Image: Archant)

The Military Remembrance Festival in Kirby-le-Soken featured a number of vehicles on display for visitors to enjoy.

A key feature of the show was the main arena which included manoeuvres by among others a 55-tonne Centurion tank.

The event was raising money for three veterans’ charities – Help for Heroes, the Poppy Appeal and Care After Combat.

The total amount raised is not yet known.

Paul Clifton, event organiser, said: “ The weather did not help but all in all it went really well.

“It was constantly busy and some people stayed for long periods of time. There was a really good atmosphere, and lively music.

“The highlights were probably the Centurion as well as a Sherman tank from the film Fury, both of which were driving around in the arena.

“Tanks, the Centurion especially, generally do too much damage to the ground so they don’t get to go out of their museums very often unless it is a specialist event like this where they can freely drive around, so this does make our event stand out a bit.

“I’m a big fan of military charities as I have friends in all three services, so it’s a cause close to my heart.”

Mr Clifton added his thanks to all the exhibitors who took part, in particular the Norfolk Tank Museum.