Families flocked to the open day at Carver Barracks in Wimbish on Saturday (July 23), with some 6,000 people enjoying the displays and stalls.

Among the most popular attractions was the Kids’ Zone with inflatable slides and bouncy castles and the dive tank, where people could see divers in action through the glass windows.

On one of the hottest days of the year, children especially enjoyed being splashed by the water.

There was also the chance for youngsters to drive a military plant digger, similar to a mini JCB.

The event has been held every other year for more than 10 years, and this year was the best attended ever.

It also celebrated three centuries of The Royal Engineers.

The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers was playing and there were also traditional stalls such as hook a duck and sponge in the stocks, along with a food hall and a Pimms and prosecco tent.

All the activities were free of charge to the visitors. They only had to pay for the food and drink.

Spokesman Captain Emma McGrath said: “The day was a great success.

“We wanted to give something back to the community and well as celebrating Sapper 300.

“The weather helped and there was a really brilliant turn out and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”