People gathered outside Blackburn and Darwen Town Halls earlier this week to pay tribute to the Armed Forces and witness flags being raised.

Both ceremonies took place at 11am on Monday, June 24, in anticipation of Armed Forces Day this Saturday, June 29.

The ceremony at Darwen was attended by the Mayor, Councillor Brian Taylor, The Hon Ralph Assheton DL and Martin Eden, Strategic Director of Environment and Operations, and

Outside Blackburn Town Hall, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jacquie Slater, members of the Armed Forces, the Deputy Chief Executive Martin Kelly and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Kam Kothia were all present.

A spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "Armed Forces Day gives everyone the opportunity to support the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

"These significant services mark an important part of our history."

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June and is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets.

It also marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday June 24, when the public show their support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community.

It also includes Reserves Day, Wednesday, June 26, which provides the country with an opportunity to recognise our Reserve Forces.

Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much-valued morale boost for serving personnel, veterans and their families. You can find out more about what they are doing at home and around the world by visiting the official sites of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

Supporting our sailors, soldiers and aviators goes beyond Armed Forces Day. In fact, the Government, local communities and businesses  across the UK have committed to supporting Armed Forces personnel past and present by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.