by Alan Smith

ajsmith@thekmgroup.co.uk

Town halls and public buildings across the country are flying a special flag this week ahead of the nation’s first Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

In Maidstone (pictured), the flag was raised on the roof of the Town Hall by three young cadets representing each of the three services: Able Sea Cadet Stephanie Craig, ATC Cadet Cpl Gareth Jewell and Army Cadet Sgt James Swadeland.

Watching from the safety of the High Street below were the MP for Maidstone and the Weald, Ann Widdecombe; the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Peter Parvin, and several councillors.

Over at County Hall, a similar ceremony was being observed by KCC chairman Cllr Peter Lake and ex-servicemen from the Normandy Veterans Association.

Cllr Lake said: "I hope everyone will use June 27 to recognise and remember the contribution of our Armed Forces – past and present."

The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sue Murray, raised a flag at Tonbridge Castle and another flag was raised at Tunbridge Wells Town Hall.

• People can support the campaign by buying an Armed Forces Day flag or printing off a special poster from www.armedforcesday.org.uk