Flag raising at Welsh councils for Armed Forces Day

A series of flag raisings has been held across Wales ahead of Cardiff hosting national Armed Forces Day celebrations on Saturday.

At 1030 BST, all 22 Welsh councils simultaneously raised the Armed Forces Day flag marking the 2010 event.

Armed Forces Day was established to honour the work and bravery of troops, veterans, recruits and their families.

Cardiff was revealed as the 2010 host of Armed Forces Day by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

The capital is leading Armed Forces Day events around Wales on Monday.

The 2010 Armed Forces Day flag was delivered to Cardiff by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team during the event's 2009 celebrations in the city.

The "Fly the Flag" campaign will see communities across the UK, including all local authorities in Wales, hoisting the Armed Forces Day flag.

Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan was attending a flag raising ceremony at Cardiff Castle to celebrate the start of events leading up to Saturday's national celebrations.

In Wrexham, the flag was raised at the town's Guildhall in a ceremony with ex-service personnel, cadets and the three armed services.

The town's mayor James Kelly said: "Wrexham has close and historic links with the armed forces and many of our young people have joined up and served their country with dignity and honour.

"Flying this flag sends the message that we are proud of these links and the deep respect we have for their bravery and courage when called to action."

At RAF St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, RAF personnel are to exercise their right to parade as honorary freemen of the county ahead of the raising the flag ceremony.