MILITARY music swept through Preston at the weekend as some of the country's top military bands turned out for this year's Beating Retreat at Fulwood Barracks.

Hundreds of members of the public rubbed shoulders with former and serving soldiers as they enjoyed the pomp and ceremony of the spectacular display.

Preston's mayor, Councillor Alan Hackett, stood alongside mayor of South Ribble, Coun Norman Crossley, and civic leaders from across the county for the annual event on Saturday.

High ranking officers including the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, joined the waiting crowd for a feast of military music.

The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers' band opened the programme and march into the arena playing The Thin Red Line, much to the delight of the crowd.

They were followed onto the square by the North West Infantry (TA) (King's) band. Again a fantastic feast of toe-tapping music blasted around the barracks.

A scene repeated as the band of the Royal Irish Regiment march-on playing If You're Irish, ahead of the famous tune When Irish Eyes are Smiling and other popular tunes.

The old comrades' standards were marched on to the parade square and the flags were lowered as the Sunset was performed by the Massed Bands Finale ahead of the National Anthem.

Army spokesman James Gaskin said: "It was a delightful evening and so pleasing that so many members of the public joined us on this occasion.

"We look forward to hosting them in the future and fully appreciate all the support the public gives us throughout the year."