A FLAG was hoisted at Clacton town hall to mark Armed Forces Day.

Members of the public and council staff stood side by side outside the town hall to show their support for the country’s troops as the flag was raised on Monday.

It will remain in place until Saturday – the day officially designated as Armed Forces Day.

This is the seventh year a ceremony has been held to mark the occasion in Clacton.

The Rev Eva Walker blessed the flag and officiated the ceremony, which was also attended by Lt Col Ciaran Griffin OBE, commander at Colchester Garrison.

Council chairman Jayne Chapman hoisted the flag.

She said: “It was an honour and a privilege to raise the Armed Forces flag which I did on behalf of all the residents of Tendring.

“The event gives us the chance to demonstrate our ongoing support for all our Armed Forces around the world and thank them for everything they do for us.”