Towns across Comet country are flying the flag for Armed Forces Day.

The mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Sherma Batson, joined representatives of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and ex-service personnel to raise a flag at Daneshill House on Monday.

As well as raising the flag, the mayor hosted a coffee morning for members of the RBL, veterans and members of community groups.

Cllr Sherma Batson said: “Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us to show our respect and appreciation to the brave servicemen and women who risk their lives for our country.

“In Stevenage we’re committed to supporting members of the armed forces through our community covenant and events like this allow us to celebrate that commitment with the wider community.”

Hitchin will be marking the day with a flag raising event in Paynes Park at 11am on Friday, where Cllr Joan Kirby and committee members of the Hitchin Poppy Appeal will be in attendance.

It will be the last flag-raising event at Paynes Park Social Club by the Hitchin Poppy Appeal group who will no longer be operating from the building.

This Saturday and Sunday there will also be free entertainment from 9am until 4pm on Broadway Gardens in Letchworth GC, featuring military vehicle displays, live music and refreshments.

The veterans parade is taking place on Sunday at 10.45am from Broadway Gardens to Letchworth War Memorial with a short service to thank those who have served in the armed forces.

Also At 1pm on Monday June 23, chairman of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), Richard Smith, raised the armed forces flag at County Hall in Hertford, accompanied by the Vice Lord Lieutenant for Hertfordshire, Richard Beazley and guests from armed forces bases.

Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Localism, and chairman of Hertfordshire’s Armed Forces Community Covenant, said: “Armed Forces Week is the ideal opportunity for us to show our support for all of our armed forces – serving or retired, regular or reserve. And let’s not forget all our staff and other volunteers who give up their time to train and support cadet forces throughout the county.”

An Armed Forces Day event will also be staged in Town Centre Gardens on St Georges Way in Stevenage this Saturday from 11am until 4pm with Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland opening the festivities.

There will be a wall climb, sumo wrestling, live music, a food bar, a beer bar and many military charity stalls.