The Nottinghamshire Police Band showed its support for national Armed Forces Day by lending its support to a networking event which took place yesterday.

Band members showcased their talents at joint force headquarters, just outside Hucknall, by serenading diners outside the canteen with a range of military, wartime and other favourite tunes.

The event, organised by the Nottinghamshire Police Armed Forces network, provided members with a chance to discuss their work more widely and reach out to other veterans – all over a friendly cup of tea.

National Armed Forces Day, which takes place today (Saturday 25 June 2022), is designed to shed further light on the work of the military services and the people who make up their ranks.

Armed Forces Network Chair PCSO Steve Timperley said: "We are really fortunate as a force to have so many former service personnel serving in and out of uniform.

"In the run up to Armed Forces Day we wanted to celebrate the work they are doing in our communities, and also to show our respects to those currently serving in uniform.

"We also wanted to reach out to other colleagues who may be able to support our work so I am hugely grateful to the Police Band for helping us to draw such a crowd."

Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry, who attended the event, added: "Armed Forces Day means a lot to me personally, having followed the flag as a military wife for many years.

"Nottinghamshire Police shares lots of links with the military and this event was a great way to come together to salute our service men and women."

Earlier this year Nottinghamshire Police launched a new recruitment scheme to provide a direct pathway for military personnel to join the police service.

The new Military Widening Access Course, supported by the College of Policing, means serving military personnel will now be supported to transition into an exciting new career in policing.

The course is among a number of entry routes for those wanting to become a police constable in Nottinghamshire.

The ongoing success of these entry routes has seen Nottinghamshire Police achieve its national Uplift recruitment target a year ahead of schedule.

The force reached 2,380 officers by March 2022, meaning officer ranks at the force are now at their highest levels for 11 years.

Serving personnel can register their interest in the Military Widening Access Course by emailing [email protected] or by applying via the 'Current Vacancies' section on Nottinghamshire Police's website.