A SPECIAL flag was raised on Wednesday above Stroud’s Subscription Rooms to commemorate the service of British armed forces.

The flag was raised to honour Saturday’s Armed Forces Day and local army members and sea cadets joined Stroud District Council chairman Mark Rees for a ceremonial raising of the flag, which will fly until Sunday evening before being taken down.

Maj. Richard Cudsworth, officer commander for South Cerney 29 Regiment, was present at the ceremony along with several members of his postal and courier support unit who are based near Cirencester.

He said: “This event is the public’s way of showing appreciation to us and it means a great deal. It shows they are behind the soldiers.”