WIRRAL'S mayor and mayoress proudly raised the Armed Forces Day flag at Wallasey Town Hall earlier today to mark the start of a week of celebrations and online events honouring serving personnel and their families, veterans and cadets. 

The gardens of Hamilton Square and windows and tower at Wallasey town hall will also be lit up in red, white and blue this week.

The Mayor, Cllr George Davies, who is also tasked with being Wirral Council's Armed Forces Champion, said: "Since Armed Forces Day was launched in the UK in 2009 we have proudly flown the Armed Forces Day flag as symbol of our appreciation for all that our Armed Forces do to keep us safe.

"The past year has brought their contribution into much sharper focus, with service men and women, including many from our local Reserve Units, playing a vital role in the fight against Coronavirus.

"That included expert logistical support at our Emergency Food Hub and at the city region's PPE store here in Wirral.

"Much more visible, were the dozens of soldiers from 39 Engineer Regiment who travelled from their base at Kinloss, Scotland, to help establish up our symptom-free Covid testing centres in Birkenhead, Eastham, Greasby and New Brighton.

"The hard work, courtesy and professionalism they showed was warmly appreciated by the thousands of residents who visited the centres during those very difficult weeks and I'm sure everyone would want to join me in applauding them - and our whole armed forces community – for everything they have done to reduce the spread of coronavirus and support some of the most vulnerable members of our community through the Pandemic."

The Mayor will join civic leaders from across the region at a special service of thanksgiving at Liverpool Parish Church on Saturday, which residents can watch live on the church’s YouTube channel at 11am.

For more information, including details of special events and photographs of celebrations taking place across the country, visit the official Armed Forces Day website.