A SPECIAL flag was raised outside Clacton Town Hall to celebrate the Armed Forces.

The flag was hoisted ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday during a ceremony which included standard bearers from the Royal British Legion.

The service was overseen by the Rev Peter Edwards, who is Tendring Council chairman Mark Platt’s chaplain for the year.

The East Essex Aviation Museum, based in Point Clear, also supplied two vehicles and other memorabilia for the event, which also included the council's Tommy statue.

Following the flag raising, a bake sale was held in aid of Help for Heroes and almost £280 was raised.

Cakes were donated by council staff and councillors as well as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons.

Chris Amos, the council's Armed Forces champion, said: “It is important that we recognise the role played by our Armed Forces.

“That ranges from years gone by, as shown by the Tommy statue and the vehicles on display, right through to those serving to protect our country right now.

“I am pleased at just how many people attended the flag raising and the bake sale and I would like to thank everyone who made and donated cakes to the event.

“Having earlier this year toured Chavasse VC House in Colchester, run by Help for Heroes, I know first-hand what great work this charity does to support our veterans.”