Two special flag raising ceremonies took place today, as staff from Cotswold District Council joined together with residents to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

The first ceremony took place at 10am at the council’s Trinity Road, Cirencester headquarters where the Armed Forces Day flag was raised by Lieutenant Sam Jacques from the Royal Navy.

Lieutenant Jacques said: “It gives me great pleasure to return to my home town to raise the Armed Forces Day flag.

"It is an honor to represent the Royal Navy in what is traditionally an army and RAF town.”

Also present were representatives from the Cirencester Branch of the Royal British Legion, serving soldiers from the 29 Regiment RLC at South Cerney and the local air cadets.

Cotswold District Council leader Joe Harris, who hosted the event said: “It’s wonderful that so many local people could join us to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

"It always surprises me when I hear about veterans who struggle to find housing when they come to the end of their service so it’s very important to me that veterans here in the Cotswolds have access to any help or support they need.”

The second ceremony took place at the Moreton Area Centre at 12pm officiated by deputy chair of Cotswold District Council Cllr Dilys Neill.

In attendance were five soldiers from from the 29 Regiment RLC and pupils and teachers from St David’s School, Moreton-in-Marsh.

Since its introduction in 2009, Armed Forces Day has become a national institution.

This is the sixth year running that the council has staged a ceremony at Moreton as well as Cirencester.

Both ceremonies enable people to pay their respects to past and present service personnel who have helped to make this country safe and prosperous.