THE Mayor of Basildon today raised the Armed Forces flag at full mast above the Basildon Centre, to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

A small ceremony took place this morning, with Mayor Cllr David Dadds was joined by the recently appointed Youth Mayor of Basildon.

Alongside them were former service men and women from the Basildon Borough Civil Military Partnership, as well as local members of parliament.

The council has previously shown its commitment to the armed forces by signing the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, to demonstrate our understanding and flexibility to employees who have Armed Forces connections, and helping ex-servicemen and women to gain employment.

Cllr Dadds said: "It was a huge honour for me to raise the Armed Forces flag at full mast this morning, to fly alongside the Union Jack above the Basildon Centre.

"Seeing all the Veterans proudly displaying their medals, you have to be in awe of them as individuals, and be grateful for the sacrifices they have made for us."

"On behalf of the whole Basildon borough, I want to say a massive thank you to all our current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families. Thank you for your sacrifice, your bravery, and the example you set for us all."