A FAMILY fun day and evening event to celebrate Armed Forces Day took place on Saturday.

The Benson Bar and Diner, in Bradford Street, Braintree drew the crowds in with a BBQ, board games for the kids and raffle during the afternoon – with a percentage of the money collected going to Help for Heroes.

There was also a competition to see who could assemble some military style the camping gear the quickest.

In the evening, a military themed fancy dress party was also held for the adults, with prizes being awarded to the best dressed on the night.

Sarah Lang, Manageress of the Benson bar, said: “For the last few years we have got the email through about the event, and every year we have said we must participate, but until this year we have always had a wedding or a function on the day.

“There are a couple of our regular customers who have children in the armed forces as well.

“Despite the weather we still had a good day,

“The raffle did well and we had a few people in fancy dress

“I would definitely do it again next year.”