Borough Council raises the services' flag

THURROCK Council marked its Armed Forces Week with a flag-raising ceremony and short service at the civic offices in Grays and the churchyard of the adjacent St Peter and St Paul's parish church.

East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe and borough Mayor Cllr James Halden were among those attending the service, which was led by Rev Darren Barlow.

Other councillors and officers, including chief executive Lyn Carpenter, were also present and joined today's (Monday, 27 June) short parade led by a piper.

Cllr Halden, who raised the flag, said: "The British Armed Forces are the best in the world. Our uniform is known for standing for freedom. I was proud to host our Armed Forces Week event with veterans. Our flag will always be prominent as long as I'm Mayor - I'm proud of the men and women who serve and fight for it!"

Also among those attending the event and a reception were epresentatives from borough groups including the Far East Veterans Association, Merchant Navy Association, Thurrock Sea Cadets and the Royal British Legion.