Flags were today being raised around the West Midlands in honour of former and current servicemen and women.

Local authorities around the region, including Wyre Forest District Council, as well as hundreds more nationwide were flying the flag for the heroes who have dedicated their lives to defending the country.

The flag-flying salutes are a prelude to Britain’s first ever Armed Forces Day, which is to be held on Saturday.

At Kidderminster the flag was raised at the town hall at 10.30am watched by scores of people.

Among those attending the event in Kidderminster were war veterans, councillors, members of the Royal British Legion and other organisations. Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council councillor Mike Salter raised the flag.

Councillor Marcus Hart, the council’s spokesman for Community and Partnership Services, said: “Our armed forces make huge personal sacrifices to defend the UK and their efforts deserve support and recognition.

“Wyre Forest District Council is demonstrating its debt of gratitude by raising the Armed Forces Day Flag. The day is an opportunity for everyone to show their appreciation of what our service personnel have done and continue to do.”

In Wolverhampton scores more gathered outside the Civic Centre on the piazza ready for the flag to be flown.

A leading city firm at Wolverhampton was also determined to fly a flag.

Carillion announced it would be flying a flag outside their HQtoday. Hannah Forrester, marketing and communication assistant at Carillion, said: “The first ever Armed Forced Day is coming up and we thought it would be a good idea to get involved – we’ve got employees here who used to work in the services, and we’ve asked them to turn up in uniform.”