Residents are being urged to use social media and give the armed services in Medway a virtual salute.

Armed Forces Day is taking place today where people come together to show their support for the men and women of the military.

Medway Council has urged locals to send in video messages or share their photos on social media to mark the occasion as part of a virtual salute.

Annual celebrations at the Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham were sadly cancelled this year in line with government advice, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

But Armed Forces Day flags will still be raised at different locations across Medway, including at Gun Wharf, Chatham Fire Station, the Historic Dockyard, Brompton Barracks and at Fort Amherst.

Council Leader, Cllr Alan Jarrett has joined up with new Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain to record a special video message of thanks to the armed forces.

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “Our armed forces have a special place in our community.

"Medway has provided a home for Britain’s armed forces for hundreds of years.

The Royal Engineers in Brompton have made a rich contribution to life in Medway and even now, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it is our Royal Engineers who have designed and created the NHS Mobile Testing Units.

"As always our Sappers are leading the way. Medway also has a proud relationship with the Royal Navy which is maintained with the Royal Naval Reservists in Rochester and with our namesake ship, HMS Medway.

"To all members of our armed forces, wherever they might be, and whatever tribulations they may face, Medway sends you all our heartiest best wishes and promises a warm welcome when you next visit us.”

Lord Lieutenant of Kent The Lady Colgrain, The Queen's official representative in the county, said: "Now more than ever, we need to show our united support for our incredible Armed Forces and the wonderful work they do to protect us.

"We think especially of their heroic efforts during the pandemic.

"Covid-19 has brought grief, sadness and hardship to many. But it has also brought people together, with heart-warming stories of volunteers, neighbours and friends giving a helping hand.

"We applaud all the heroes who have done such amazing things in Medway during the crisis, not least of course our Armed Forces.

"We salute their valued contribution on Armed Forces Day and every day. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude."

In the video, Lt Col Mark Stephenson Commanding Officer of 1 RSME Regiment, based in Brompton Barracks, said: “I would like to offer my sincere gratitude from the military community based here in Brompton for the support we get year round from the community in Medway, especially on Armed Forces Day.

"The whole military family, be that regular, reserve, the service families themselves, the cadets and the veterans are hugely grateful for everything you do to support us in our day-to-day business and our lives, and especially during this challenging period under coronavirus and lockdown.”

To join in the celebrations and show your support, follow Enjoy Medway on Twitter and Facebook and tag the accounts in your messages and photos using the hashtags #SaluteOurForces and #ArmedForcesDay.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

To read about the Armed Forces and how they have served Kent and beyond, click here.