ARMED Forces Day was commemorated today by Cotswold District Council through hosting flag raising ceremonies at its Cirencester headquarters and the Moreton Area Centre office.

The ceremonies were attended by representatives of South Cerney-based 29 Regt, Royal Logistic Corps, the British Legion and other veterans.

Military cadets from Deer Park School in Cirencester also attended as well as pupils from Dormer House School in Moreton, members of the public, and members and staff of the council.

At both ceremonies the council chairman, Cllr Clive Bennett, paid tribute to the work of the armed forces and their families, often in arduous and dangerous circumstances.

He made special reference to the upcoming centenary of The First World War and the horrors of trench warfare and also focused on the recent 70th anniversary of the D Day Normandy Beach Landings which changed the course of the Second World War.

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

"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 28 June and it is preceded by a week of ceremonies, parties and marches across the UK.