A SPECIALLY commissioned flag has been raised at County Hall to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

The Chairman of Essex County Council, John Aldridge, joined Anne Brown, Cabinet Member for Communities, at County Hall in Chelmsford to officially raise Essex's flag for this year.

Local authorities across the country are raising similar flags in the build up to Armed Forces Day on June 25.

The flags will fly for a week as a reminder of the events and celebrations taking place across the UK.

Mr Aldridge said: “Marking and showing our support for our Armed Forces is an honour, especially in a year that marks the 100th anniversary of the First World War battles of the Somme and Jutland.

Essex has a long and proud military history, and it is fitting that we continue to celebrate and remember all of those who defend our country.”