GUNS thundered over York as the British Army celebrated Prince Charles’ 69th birthday - but not all of the 105 mm light guns fired when required.

Crowds gathered in the Museum Gardens today (Tuesday, November 14) to witness the Royal Salute, hosted by 4th Infantry Brigade and HQ North East.

At the stroke of noon The Saluting Troop from 329 Battery 4 Regiment Royal Artillery, started firing 21 rounds at 10-second intervals from three 105 mm light guns.

But the middle gun failed to fire because of an unexpected technical problem with the gun or the ammunition, leaving the remaining two guns to fire the 21 rounds between them.

Prior to the salute, the Band of The King’s Division, led by Major Stewart Halliday, the band’s Director of Music, performed a marching display through the city.

The salute took place simultaneously with 11 others at saluting stations around the country.