CIVIC chiefs are flying the flag for the Armed Forces in Hampshire on Monday (June 24).

The city and county council are marking the start of Armed Forces Week with a flag raising ceremony in Winchester.

The ceremony will feature a military band and a tri-service march though the city centre.

Celebrations are scheduled to begin at 11.45am at The Buttercross with a Winchester Garrison band playing a selection of military music.

The band, comprising musicians from the Band & Bugles of the Rifles and the Adjutant General Corps, will then march down the High Street and join a 45-strong contingent from the Royal Navy, the Army and Royal Air Force.

After a march back up the High Street to the Great Hall, the Armed Forces Flag will be raised in Castle Avenue at 1pm.

The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mary Fagan, who will inspect the parade, said: “The annual flag raising ceremony demonstrates Hampshire’s strong commitment to our Armed Forces and the appreciation we have for all that they do.

Everybody is welcome to attend.