WEST Devon mayor Cllr John Hockridge led a flag-raising ceremony recently, to honour Britain's armed forces at the borough council's Tavistock offices.

National Armed Forces Day is this Saturday, June 26 and to mark the occasion, a special flag is being flown at Kilworthy Park as part of the national celebrations.

The mayor was joined by the Cllr Michael Morse, mayor of Okehampton, Cllr Philip Sanders, deputy mayor of Tavistock, representatives from the Tavistock branch of the Royal British Legion, borough councillors and staff.

Tavistock Royal British Legion chairman John Lashbrook raised the flag as branch secretary Jack May played the 'Reveille'.

Vice-chairman Malcolm Christie was the standard bearer.

Cllr Hockridge told the gathering at the ceremony: 'In the words of this country's Chief of the Defence Staff, the defence of this country, its people and their interests is fundamental to our wellbeing and prosperity.

'So those who assume the responsibility for delivering it take on a vital and sometimes daunting challenge.

'The men and women of our Armed Forces, past and present, have consistently risen to that challenge in magnificent fashion, no matter the difficulties they face. Regulars, reservists and their families have more than earned the nation's gratitude.'