Soldiers from 7 RIFLES spent Sunday showing children and adults the finer points of their weapons at a military show.

Seven officers from the reserve unit in Portway, West Ham, which has seen active service in Iraq and Afghanistan, spent the day at the Military & Flying Machines show in Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster.

Colour Sergeant Les Phillips said the event gave children the rare chance to handle weapons. It also gave the unit the opportunity to interact with members of the public and served as an important recruitment tool.

Thousands of people attended the event which ran for three days and included tan rides, flying displays as well as classic cars, stalls and bouncy castles.

G Company 7 RIFLES were given the Freedom of the Borough in 2012 to acknowledge contribution of the Territorial Army soldiers in serving their country.