Commemorating a battle which took place in 1811, veterans from the Carlisle branch of the Duke of Lancaster's Regimental Association presented donations at an event at the Military Life Museum.

The Museum, located in the historic Carlisle Castle, played host to an Arroyo lunch.

The battle of Arroyo dos Molinos is a unique Peninsular War battle honour for the Regiment.

As part of the gathering, the Association distributed cheques to a range of recipients, including the local Army Cadets, the Regimental Chapel, housed within the Cathedral, the Regimental charity, and the Museum itself.

In attendance was Mark Ingleton, a Thursby resident, who previously served with the King's Own Royal Border Regiment between 1997 and 2004.

Accompanied by his eight-year old son, Aadi, they have made it an annual ritual to visit the Museum on the anniversary of Arroyo to have their photo taken with the Arroyo drums, currently showcased in the Museum.

When asked about these visits, Mark described his fondness for the drums.

He said: "As a Harraby lad there had always been the familiar landmark of the Arroyo Arms.

"Then when I joined the Regiment, I could make a direct connection with the name of the pub and the Regiment’s battle honour.’

"I always loved the drums from when I first saw them on parade. The slow march that accompanies them would burst into a quick march making me feel very proud to be a soldier."

Leaving the Army in 2004, Mark is still proud of his time spent in the Regiment.

He said: "I always wanted to show Aadi what daddy did when he was in the military. This family photographic tradition started when Aadi was small and now Aadi asks me every year when are we going to see the drums!"

Jules Wooding, Museum Manager, said: "Arroyo took place over 200 years ago and still plays an important part in not only the Regiment’s history but the history of the local area.

"In fact, it is still re-enacted in Arroyo dos Molinos in Spain every year on October 28 when the whole village continue to commemorate this battle."

Currently, the Museum displays the six side-drums, known as the Arroyo drums, belonging to the 34th Infantry Regiment, alongside the drum-major's staff.

The Museum is open to visitors during the winter period on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.