Thurrock Council will be hosting its annual flag raising ceremony to commemorate Armed Forces Day on Monday 25 June.

The event, which will take place outside the Civic Offices at Grays, begins at 10:25am with a warm welcome from Cllr Barbara Rice, the Mayor of Thurrock, and a speech about the importance of remembering and honouring those who fought for our country.

Following a prayer by Reverend Canon Darren Barlow, Jackie Doyle Price – MP for Thurrock – will commence with the raising of the Armed Forces flag.

The ceremony will close with a speech by Gary Collins, Cabinet portfolio holder for central services, about the servicemen and women of the British Armed Forces and the communities that supported the fight for our rights, our values and our freedom.

All members of the public and current servicemen of all ages are invited to attend the ceremony. If you wish to attend, please meet at the Civic Offices foyer at 10.15am.

For information on support for armed services personnel – including Thurrock's Veterans Charter – go to thurrock.gov.uk/armed-forces