A FLAG was raised outside the Great Hall in Winchester to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

The event, organised by Hampshire County Council, saw dignitaries and past and present members of the armed forces gather for a short ceremony on Monday, June 20 before the flag was raised.

READ MORE: 'Kings Walk fencing has simply displaced anti-social drinkers'

Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Rear Admiral Iain Henderson CB CBE DL; chairman of the council, Councillor Marge Harvey, Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Rob Humby; and the council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Andrew Joy were joined by Cadet Corporal Leah Murby, who raised the Armed Forces flag, and Luisa Armitage, trumpeter from the County Youth Orchestra,who played the Hampshire Fanfare.

Hampshire Chronicle: Flag raising at the Great Hall Winchester

The Vice Lord-Lieutenant said: “On behalf of HM Lord-Lieutenant, it is an honour to pay tribute to the commitment and dedication of our military personnel, veterans, and their families. Hampshire is home to a large Armed Forces community of whom we are proud. We offer our sincere gratitude for their service and sacrifice.”

SEE MORE: Cancellations at Winchester train station cause disruption as South Western Railway walk-out begins

Council leader, Councillor Rob Humby, added: “It is so important to highlight the enormous contribution of everyone involved in our Armed Forces, both to our county and to the UK. The county council is committed to supporting everyone working in this sector and their families in all we do. As part of this, we are delighted to have been recognised with a Ministry of Defence Gold Award for our work to support and encourage Reservists who are employed by the authority.”

Armed Forces Week runs from June 20 culminating with Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 25.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.