MORE than 2,000 people flowed through the gates as the Adjutant General Corps (AGC) celebrated its 20th birthday.

Its base at Worthy Down near Winchester was packed with visitors and attractions to keep the sun-drenched crowds happy.

The programme included a drumhead service and a performance by the AGC band.

There was also a polo display, and the White Helmets motorcycle team also took to the main arena.

Along with motorbike acrobatics, its riders also jumped through a flaming hoop and rode quad bikes on two wheels.

There were also refreshment tents, a funfair, and several stalls including one manned by Captain Sip Powers.

A member of the Royal Logistics Corps, he is planning to swim 21 miles, cycle 871 and run 140 next month (June).

It will be the equivalent of swimming the English Channel before riding from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.

His final challenge is running the equivalent of five-and-a-half marathons from England’s northwest coast to the northeast.

He is tackling the ultra-triathlon to raise money for Battle Back, a campaign to help injured service personnel.

He said: “I think the swim is going to be the hardest part, as I’ve only swum eight kilometres before, and this will be 34.”

Hundreds of AGC personnel were also present, having taken part in the Triple Crown contest at the base the day before.

Designed to test all elements of soldiering, the winning team was SPSTS, stationed at Worthy Down.

The AGC has bases in Germany and Asia, and has personnel deployed wherever British troops are present.

The corps is responsible for many of the army’s personnel and legal duties along with educating soldiers and policing.

AGC regimental colonel Rob Davie said: “For all of the members of the Adjutant General Corps from around the world, this is like a coming together of the whole family and it’s wonderful that so many people have come to join us today.”

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Hassell said: “The AGC has very strong community links with Winchester over many years so we’re delighted to open the base to the public to continue to foster that good relationship.”

It is only the second AGC Corps Day held at Worthy Down, with the previous one being held in 2002 to mark its tenth anniversary.

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Pendlebury was overseas at the time and missed the event, but has served with the AGC since its formation.

Having spent 36 years in uniform, he used to serve with the Royal Army Pay Corps, which was merged into the AGC.

“It’s very important for us to have community engagement and we’re very keen to show the public what we do, and who we are,” he said.