ROMSEY marked the start of Armed Forces Week with a flag raising ceremony at the town's Crosfield Hall.

Monday morning's tribute to Britain's armed services was led by Test Valley's deputy mayor Jan Lovell, who said it was “extremely important that we continue our support for our armed forces” and pointed out that it was the first time the Armed Forces flag had been raised at the Crosfield Hall in salute to our service men and women.

Two minutes silence was kept during the simple but poignant ceremony.

Romsey's mayor Ian Richards was also present along with former Test Valley mayor Ian Hibberd, the town's Royal British Legion president Peter Clark, branch chairman Stephen Horsley, and club secretary Helen Mapes.

Mr Richards said: “It's nice to show our support and respect for our armed forces which are held in high esteem.”

Royal British Legion chairman, Mr Horsley said: “We are extremely grateful for the public's continued support for our forces.”

They were joined by ex RAF serviceman, Don Randell, the Rev David Williams from Romsey Abbey and Corporal Stuart Rankin of the Rifles Regiment who played the Last Post and Reveille on the bugle at the two minutes silence.