COTSWOLD District Council commemorated Armed Forces Day by hosting flag raising ceremonies at its headquarters in Cirencester and the Moreton Area Centre.

The ceremonies were attended by representatives of South Cerney-based 29 Regimentt, Royal Logistic Corps, the Royal British Legion and other veterans yesterday (Monday).

For the Moreton ceremony, pupils from Dormer House School, members and staff of the council along with residents also attended.

At both ceremonies the Council Chairman, Councillor Clive Bennett paid tribute to the work of the armed forces and their families, often in arduous and dangerous circumstances.

And he made special reference to the forthcoming centenary of the First World War and the horrors of trench warfare along with the recent 70th anniversary of the D Day Normandy Beach Landings.

"As an ex-serviceman, I was proud to welcome fellow past and present members of the Armed Forces to celebrate this special day," he said.

"I was also very pleased to see so many attendees from local schools, the public and the council, which shows a growing awareness about the role of the armed forces in helping to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities and making the world a safer place.”

Armed Forces Day was first launched in June 2009 to show support for the work of serving troops and cadets, as well as service families and veterans.

This year, the national celebration will take place in Stirling on Saturday and it is preceded by a week of ceremonies, parties and marches across the UK.