People gathered to pay tribute to our Servicemen and women ahead of Saturday’s Armed Forces Day.

The annual flag raising ceremony was held at the war memorial in Market Street, Dartford, on Monday.

Dartford mayor Patsy Thurlow began proceedings, as people gathered in silence around the memorial to pay respect to those currently serving and those we have lost.

Among those laying wreaths was Terry Blundell, secretary of the Glentworth ex-Service Club in Lowfield Street.

On Armed Forces Day, The Ship Pub in Green Street, Green Road, Dartford, will be holding a party including archery, tug-of-war, shooting range, bouncy castles, bungee run, hog roast, horse show and live bands.

In Greenhithe, the Royal British Legion in London Road will be holding an event from 1pm.

The Copperfield Crown Carvery, in Gravesend Road, Gravesend, is marking Armed Forces Day by treating all Army, Navy and Air Force men and women, past and present, to a free full English breakfast or carvery until the close of business on Saturday.

Visit www.crowncarveries.co.uk or www.facebook.com/crowncarveries to download the Free Forces Meal voucher and present it along with your current ID card, or veteran lapel badge, to staff at the restaurant.