TANKS are set to roll onto the streets of Southampton as the city holds its first ever Armed Forces Day.

Organisers have confirmed that an array of armoured vehicles will join the parade which is expected to see 10,000 people line the streets on July 1.

A Hawker Hurricane – a fighter aircraft used during the start of World War Two – will also be on show in Guildhall Square.

Organiser Colin Gaytor admits a lot of hard work and planning has gone into the event, but that it should make for a great day.

“The team have been working really, really hard to put this all together,” he said.

“We have lots of different things happening on the day, including lots to see and do.”

Colin added: “Remembrance Sunday is a wonderful day but everyone goes to their own parishes. What we are hoping to do with this event is to give a chance for all the veterans of the city to parade together.

“The armed forces population of the city is around 10 per cent, so everyone will know someone who has served or is serving.”

Armed Forces Champion for Southampton, Cllr Derek Burke, said: “It will be a fabulous event.

“I am really proud of what has been achieved.”

The Bevois ward member added that he hopes the event will become an annual fixture in the city’s calender.

Among the vehicles that will be part of the parade – celebrating members of the country’s military, past and present – are a Ferret scout car, military land rovers and Saints’ 1976 FA Cup open top bus.

The parade is planned to start at the bottom of by Holyrood Church, march up the High Street and Above Bar Street and end at Guildhall Square.

Craig Lintott, events manager at Southampton City Council, said: “We are pleased to report that plans to mark Armed Forces Day in Southampton, which is supported by the city council in conjunction with volunteers, are progressing well.”

The group has also been offered a Chieftain battle tank for the day, but needs to raise £1,000 to be able to transport it from Basingstoke.