The Royal Air Force is giving the public the rare opportunity to learn more about life in the forces during carnival week.

Warrant Officer Barry Tanswell grew up in Dorset and regularly visited the resort as a child.

Despite being in the RAF for 34 years now, this is the first time he has been involved with a public show in his home town.

He said: “I grew up with the carnival. I wasn’t involved but I remember attending every year as a boy. I think it’s good for Weymouth’s economy because it brings in people to the area and our attractions”

Barry, 49 originally wanted to be a civilian police officer, but he was advised by the police to join the forces for six years because he was just half an inch too short.

“During those years I went to Cyprus, and decided to stay in the RAF because it offers an exciting life of seeing the world and living the dream,” he added.

The RAF Town Show is running until today and is located on the Pavilion Forecourt.

Organiser Corporal Alex Axten said: “We’re raising awareness of the RAF and recruiting because there aren’t many stations in this area of the country. People can come along and learn about the RAF, have a seat in a Typhoon and speak to personnel about their experiences in the forces.”