ARMED forces veterans in Malvern and Ledbury held a week of events to mark Armed Forces Day 2021.

In Malvern, the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club held its first meeting since the recent lockdown, with former servicemen and women able to get out and share a story and friendship at the Foley Arms.

Meanwhile, Cllr Cynthia Palmer and Cllr Martin Allen, and Peter Storry, leader of the breakfast club, raised the flag to recognise the contribution made by all military communities past and present.

Cllr Palmer said: “Raising the flag is a way of showing our support for the troops and their families. 

“With people, communities and organisations across the country coming together, we hope it provides a much-needed morale boost to those who continue to keep us safe.”

Cllr Allen, armed forces member champion at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “Armed Forces Day is an important time where we honour and celebrate all the brave people who serve and have served. 

“It is an opportunity to thank the Armed Forces community for their ongoing contribution”

In Ledbury, Member of Parliament Bill Wiggin, members of Ledbury Town Council and the Royal British Legion joined together at the Ledbury War Memorial to raise the flag to commemorate Armed Forces Day, which celebrates the effort and sacrifice of the armed forces across the world.

First proposed in 2006 as "Veterans Day", Armed Forces Day was originally held on June 27, the date of the Victoria Cross' introduction.

Armed Forces Day celebrations usually begin on June 21, when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.