The Imperial War Museum was among places to host events on the UK's first National Veterans' Day, which will annually honour and thank ex-service personnel.

Ex-servicemen and woman were hailed as their "nation's pride" ahead of the celebrations.

It was a rare sight as holders of the Victoria and George Crosses took part in a group photograph.

Veterans enjoyed the gardens at the Imperial War Museum in London. National Veterans' Day follows the US model of commemorative events.

War veterans in Manchester viewed the new People's Poppy - a giant montage of over 3,500 pictures of those helped by the Royal British Legion.

Chancellor Gordon Brown talked to ex-serviceman Sandy English, 93, at a Veterans' Day service in Fife.