THE flag has been raised at Bewdley Museum to mark the start of Armed Forces Week on Monday, June 22.

Wyre Forest District Council’s chairman, Councillor Shazu Miah, was joined by Mayor of Bewdley, Cllr Anna Coleman, and veteran Stuart Patterson in a socially-distanced ceremony.

The flag was raised to ‘We’ll Meet Again’ by Dame Vera Lynn, who died last week, aged 103.

This year’s public event in Wyre Forest was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Helen Dyke, cabinet member for culture, leisure and community protection, said: “Earlier in the year, we had to cancel all of our events including our annual flag flying ceremony due to Covid-19.

"It’s great that we were able to have a socially distanced ceremony so we could show our continued support for our armed forces.

“This event is taking place all over the country, albeit in unprecedented circumstances, and goes a small way to remember, recognise and celebrate our brave past, present and future armed forces personnel.”

Armed Forces week runs from Monday, June 22 to Sunday, June 29.

The national event is a chance for people to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community - from currently-serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.