Sapper Daniel Griffiths believes Medway’s Armed Forces Day later this month will play an important part in forging even stronger links between the Army and the public after the death of fellow soldier Lee Rigby.

Spr Griffiths, who at 24 is about the same age as Drummer Rigby, who died in an attack in Woolwich a fortnight ago, believes his death has helped to raise awareness of the vital role the military plays.

Speaking at Brompton Barracks, he said: “It is very bad what happened to him, but hopefully some good will come out of it in terms of recognition.”

Having spent two previous spells at the barracks, Spr Griffiths is well aware of Medway’s close historic military links.

It was one of the main reasons that the Towns were chosen to host the first Armed Forces day in 2009 at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, attended by the Prime Minister at the time, Gordon Brown.

Spr Griffiths, who has served in Afghanistan, Germany, Canada and Gibraltar, said: “The day will be a good chance to show our presence in the community and raise our profile.

“If Lee Rigby’s death has helped to boost the Help for Heroes charity that has to be encouraging.”

Spr Griffiths lives with his wife Emily, also 24, who is taking a beauty therapy course at MidKent College.

He said: “As far as possible, we try to get out in the community. Locally there’s a group of us that go to the pubs and clubs in Rochester and Maidstone.”

This year’s Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 29, will be a full-scale military tattoo held, for the first time, on the Great Lines Heritage Park at Gillingham.

Veterans and serving personnel will kick off proceedings with a parade and there will also be a traditional drumhead service.

Stalls will be set up on the park where there will also be a fun fair, two music venues, an assault course, a Royal Engineers village and a bridge-building competition.