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

The ceremonies on Monday, June 19, were attended by representatives of the British Legion and other veterans, South Cerney-based 19 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, military cadets from Cirencester Deer Park School, pupils from Moreton-in-Marsh's Dormer House School, members and staff of the council and members of the public.

Chairman of the Council, Cllr Julian Beale, did the honours at both ceremonies and said: "I was proud to lead the celebrations at both venues, welcoming past and present members of the Armed Forces to commemorate this special day.

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

“Most recently, they were deployed in neighbourhoods across Britain when the security alert was increased to critical level following the cowardly terrorist attacks in Manchester and London.

"As you can imagine, their work is extremely dangerous at times and can result in serious injury or fatalities.”