THE flag at Oxford Castle was raised yesterday, in the run-up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

The event, which marks the role of the Armed Forces and their strong contribution to life in the county, was attended by senior representatives of the Armed Forces community.

Oxfordshire County Council chairman John Sanders said: “Oxfordshire is a county that for centuries has had incredibly strong connections to the armed forces.

“It is right that the nation should recognise on an annual basis the part that the forces play in our day to day lives as well as in protecting the country.”

Other senior representatives of the Armed Forces community in Oxfordshire were also at the event, including Oxford University Officers’ Training Corps, 7 rifles, The Defence Academy and the Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force.

Band Sergeant Major Ady Higgs, of Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force said: “Armed Forces Day recognises all the work that the Armed Forces have done and continue to do for our country.

“What’s more, it’s actually the families of the Armed Forces who also need to be thanked for continually supporting everything that we do.”

Dignitaries in attendance included the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Tom Birch Reynardson and county council leader Ian Hudspeth. Oxfordshire events on Saturday include ‘Witney Supports’, which will see military charities, and organisations in Witney town centre.