Mayor Councillor Milkinder Jaspal said: “It’s a great honour. It is a matter of pride in the city and I think it is really good for the citizens to get together on an occasion like this.”

Soldiers and veterans marched through the city centre before gathering for a service at St Peter’s Collegiate Church, which is one of the mayor’s charities.

The service was attended by residents, community groups and councillors.

It included members of the RAF from Cosford, the Fourth Battalion the Mercian Regiment and the West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band, along with the standard bearer from the Royal British Legion.

More than 60 vintage motors from Jaguars to Ford Escorts wer at of Dudley Castle for the annual West Midlands Classic Car Club show yesterday. Organiser and car club chairman

Maurice Cole, of Dudley, brought along his 1972 E-type Jaguar, a rare 1961 Daimler Dart and a 1977 Rolls Royce.

“The setting for the show is beautiful and we couldn’t have hoped for better weather. In the 25 years we have been holding our shows at the club, it has only rained twice, ” he said.

Around 3,000 people enjoyed an array of entertainment at Wednesbury Carnival held in Brunswick Park on Saturday.

Carnival president Michael Middleton said: “It was an absolutely fantastic day and everyone enjoyed the entertainment that was on offer.”