TOWNS across Dorset will be marking Armed Forces Day.

Blandford Forum Town Council will raise the Armed Forces Day flag on Monday, June 21, when it will also sign up to the the Armed Forces Covenant.

The council will raise the flag with Blandford Garrison representatives, Royal British Legion Standards from the Blandford & District Branch and trumpeter Geordie Thomson in attendance.

Mayor of Blandford Forum Cllr Lee Hitchings will sign the covenant, witnessed by Lt Col Dyer who will be representing Blandford Garrison as deputy commander.

Cllr Hitchings said: “We are fortunate in Blandford to have the garrison nearby and the town truly benefits from their presence.

"The least we can do is pledge to support them in return.”

Dorset Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019, with BCP Council and partners – including the NHS and the police.

The covenant is a promise that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect in their communities, economy and society for which they serve with their lives.

Armed Forces Day is marked nationally on Saturday, June 21.

A special Armed Forces Day flag will also be raised outside County Hall in Dorchester on Monday, June 21.

After introductions from Dorset Council chairman Cllr Val Pothecary, Garrison Commander of Bovington will respond on behalf of the armed forces living and working in Dorset. HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset will also speak.

With outside gatherings currently limited to 30, people will be able to watch the ceremony live on the council’s Facebook page at Facebook/DorsetCouncilUK.

Cllr Pothecary said: “Armed Forces Week 2021 is a chance for everyone to celebrate the brave men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets

“We have a large armed forces community, past and present, in Dorset so I am pleased we are able to express our appreciation through the raising of the Armed Forces Flag.

“Although current restrictions mean it will be a smaller ceremony than we had hoped for, I am looking forward to welcoming the Armed Forces to County Hall so that we can thank them for all they do, for Dorset and for the country.”