HOMES and businesses in Dorset are being urged to fly a special union flag ‘with pride’ to show their support for the British armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence is encouraging people all over the country to fly the specially designed Union flag to celebrate the first-ever Armed Forces Day, being held on Saturday, June 27.

The day will be marked by activities to honour people that have served in the armed forces in the past, present or future.

Dorchester Town Council, Dorset County Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council offices will raise the flag at 10.30am on Monday June 22 to commence a week of celebrations.

People all over the country will also raise the flag on the Monday.

The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester will also be showing its support by flying the flag.

Captain Colin Parr, who is the curator of the museum, said: “The men and women of our armed forces and in particular those originating from Devon and Dorset have for centuries made huge personal sacrifices.

“The Keep Military Museum here in Dorchester will be flying the Armed Forces Day Flag on behalf of the town to show that collectively we all support our servicemen and women wherever they are in the world and that we also recognise the risks they are taking for the greater good.”

Weymouth town centre will host a military display the week before from Saturday, June 13, until Friday, June 19.

The Armed Forces Day flag measures 5ft by 3ft and must be ordered by May 31.

Flags cost £10 each including postage and packaging and £1 from every flag will be donated to the Force’s Children’s Trust.

For more information visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk or to order a flag you can visit www.piggots.co.uk * Are you planning to take part in any events for Armed Forces Day?

If so contact Miriam Phillips on 01305 830985.