WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has paid tribute to the UK's servicemen and women, past and present, by raising a flag to mark the sixth annual Armed Forces Day.

The chairman of Worcestershire County Council, Councillor Pam Davey, said: "I speak for the county when I say that we raised the flag in honour of the bravery and dedication of our Armed Forces.

"In this centenary year the events of the First and Second World Wars have been brought to life with vivid images on the TV.

"Sadly we now see images of the growing tensions in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan. It is vital that we hold such ceremony's to ensure that we show our support to all our armed forces."

Coun Davey was joined by the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Leader of Worcestershire County Council, Adrian Hardman, and a host of other councillors and dignitaries.

Armed Forces Day, which is today Saturday, June 28, helps to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces, and gives the nation an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community, from currently serving troops to service families and from veterans to cadets.

Worcestershire County Council also supported the annual Uniform to Work Day on Wednesday June 25 and is sponsoring a special evening concert tonight at Worcester Guildhall.

The concert, which starts at 7:30pm is made even more poignant as one of the pieces has been scored by an ex-serviceman.

Tickets for the concert cost £5 and are available from Worcester Tourist Information Centre at The Guildhall, High Street, Worcester.