FORMER soldiers in the valley can now fly their flags with pride thanks to community donations from two county councillors.

Veterans In Communities had approached Coun David Stansfield, who represents Rossendale West, and Coun Anne Cheetham, who covers Rossendale South, with applications for £215.

The grants will enable the group, based at the former Mary Hindle Centre in Bury Road, to purchase two Union flags, one St George’s flag and an Armed Forces.

Supporters of the group told the councillors that the flags would be especially important as this year marked the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

The flags can also be displayed prominently during Remembrance Week, on St George’s Day next month and Armed Forces Week in June.

Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council have each signed armed forces covenant s in the past year.

And the ex-military personnel have also pledged to work closely with cadet forces in Rossendale to honoured the armed forces.