Lancashire County Council is raising a special Armed Forces Day flag at County Hall in Preston today (Monday 20 June).

The flag shows support and appreciation for the contribution made by military personnel past and present, and for the wider Armed Forces community of families, veterans and cadets.

The raising of the Armed Forces Day flag marks the start of a week of celebrations including the Annual Reserves Day on Wednesday 22 June, the Armed Forces Day national event in Scarborough on Saturday 25 June, and hundreds of smaller gatherings across the UK.

Representing Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, former High Sheriff, Mrs Catherine Penny DL, said: “Once again, Armed Forces Day flags are being raised all across Lancashire to acknowledge the debt we all owe to our servicemen and women, and to our service veterans and this year has a particular poignancy as we commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of the Falklands War.

“We owe a great deal to the bravery of these men and women, and we’re proud to be able to recognise their dedication and service.”

Read more: Models for Heroes to help support Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel across Preston

Mrs Penny will attend a small ceremony at County Hall along with the Chair of Lancashire County Council, County Councillor Peter Britcliffe.

They will be joined by the County Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion Alf Clempson, The Reverend David Owens from Preston Minster, and representatives from the Royal British Legion, Armed Forces Group, soldiers from Fulwood Barracks, senior council staff and county councillors.

Other flag raising events will be taking place on the same day in each Lancashire district, organised by district councils and attended by a member of the Lancashire Lieutenancy.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines