Flag-raising marks start of Armed Forces Week

The ceremony at Gyllyngvase Beach included a jet flypast

A flag-raising ceremony has taken place on a beach in Cornwall to mark the start of Armed Forces Week and the county's role in this year's event.

The ceremony at Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth on Monday included a jet flypast, and also featured members of the Little Troopers charity.

The charity supports children who have both parents in the armed forces and/or serving abroad.

This year Falmouth is providing the stage for the UK-wide event.

The ceremony also featured members of the Little Troopers charity

Air Cdre Polly Perkins, of the Royal Air Force, said she was "absolutely delighted" that Cornwall would be hosting the national event on Saturday after a nine-month planning operation involving Cornwall Council.

She said the council's success in winning the bid "showcased how many people in Cornwall are associated with the armed forces"

Of the flag-raising, she said: "It's been a wonderful Cornish atmosphere and we're all really looking forward to putting that flavour into the national event."

A number of towns and cities are also hosting events ahead of Armed Forces Day, which takes place on 24 June.

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