RESIDENTS and councils across Comet country are marking Armed Forces Day, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday).

The annual event aims to raise public awareness of the contribution made by those who serve and have served in the armed forces, with district councils in Stevenage and North Herts, as well as Hertfordshire County Council, joining with Royal British Legion members to raise flags this week to mark the occasion.

Last year Stevenage Indoor Market gave charities supporting the armed forces free stalls alongside entertainment, and organiser Peter Mason said the event will be repeated tomorrow.

Darts legend Eric Bristow will be making an appearance during the day, which runs from 10am to 5pm, with performances from Phoenix Old Time Music Hall, Royston Pipe Band and the Hatfield Home Guard. Charities including Help For Heroes, Royal British Legion and the Karen Woo Foundation will also be setting up stalls.

Mr Mason, chairman of the Stevenage Indoor Market Traders Association, said: “It looks very much like it will be the biggest event in Hertfordshire and we’re expecting a lot of people.”

Fiona Burton, whose son Nick Winn is currently serving with 3rd Battalion The Rifles in Afghanistan as a lance corporal, will be collecting for charity on the day.

She said: “While the death toll is steady it is still increasing, and there are hundreds of wounded men for every one killed in action. Armed Forces Day is a great way to highlight the work our forces do for us and the sacrifice they make.”

North Herts’ main ceremony will take place at Baldock War Memorial tomorrow. People who wish to show their support should gather at 10.30am for an 11am ceremony.