LOCAL authorities across East Lancashire are raising a special Armed Forces Day flag on Monday, June 22.

The new standard shows support and appreciation for the contribution made by the county's servicemen and women past and present, and for the wider Armed Forces community of families, veterans and cadets.

The raising of the colours mark the start of a week of celebrations culminating on Saturday, June 27, with the Armed Forces Day national event in Guildford.

Flag raising events will be take place on Monday, June 22, in each district across the true county, organised by district councils and attended by a member of the Lancashire Lieutenancy.

They will be joined by councillors and officers from the district council and representatives of the Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, will hand the flag over to the chairman of Lancashire County Council, Margaret Brindle.

They will be joined by the Vicar of Preston, Father Timothy Lipscomb, as well as representatives from the Royal British Legion, armed forces groups, soldiers from Fulwood Barracks, council staff and county councillors.

Lord Shuttleworth said: "Having commemorated some special occasions already this year, including the 70th anniversary of VE Day and the 100th anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landings - '6 VCs before breakfast' for the Lancashire Fusiliers, Armed Forces Week has a continued significance for us all. We pay grateful tribute to all our servicemen and women, past and present."