THURROCK celebrated tomorrow's Armed Forces Day with a flagraising ceremony outside the Town Hall.

The service was led by Revd Canon Darren Barlow and attended by representatives of the armed forces and local branches of military organisations including the Royal British Legion, RAF Association and Sea Cadets.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Qaisar Abbas spoke and said: "Today as we raise this flag we think not only of all those who currently serve in our armed forces but also those who have served over the generations.

"It is no exaggeration to say that they have all protected the freedoms we enjoy today and that their work cont6inues to protect our freedoms as I speak right now.

"You only have to look at what is happening in the Ukraine now to see how important our armed forces are. They provide not only a defence against tyrants but also a deterrent against all forms of tyranny.

"By raising this flag we thank all who serve."

The council's deputy leader, Cllr Deborah Arnold said: "Our armed forces are something which we as a country are rightly proud of.

"They not only protect us at home, our allies abroad and give pause of thought to anyone foolhardy enough to think of attacking us but they also are a place where thousands of young people start their careers.

"The armed forces provide structure and skills to those who join which have go on to benefit us in more ways than we can count.

"They are truly our nation putting its best foot forward and the women and men who serve in them should strand as an example to us all."

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June.

Armed Forces Day celebrations began on Monday when the Armed Forces Day flag was raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.