Armed Forces Day gets off with a bang

TV presenter Lorraine Kelly has started Armed Forces Day by firing the One O'Clock Gun.

Lorraine was flown by helicopter from RAF Leuchars in Fife to Edinburgh, to be winched on to Calton Hill.

She was then ordered across an assault course by some of the Army's fittest soldiers, to raise the Armed Forces flag.

Edinburgh is host city for this year's Armed Forces Day which sees hundreds of events take place next week across the UK.

Lorraine was given a countdown to fire the One O'Clock Gun - but she set it off five seconds early.

She said: "I was so excited about it, when they shouted five I thought they said fire. I don't think anyone noticed though."

It is the first time two One O'Clock Guns have been fired simultaneously from Edinburgh Castle.

Officials say they expect about 100,000 people in the city for a parade and a 30-minute air display by the Red Arrows, as well as other military activities.