A FLAG is flying proudly from the roof of Dudley council house this week to honour the men and women of the armed forces.

The Armed Forces Flag was raised from the top of the council headquarters in Priory Road today on June 24 and it will stay in place for the week leading up to Armed Forces Day on Sunday June 30.

Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, who led the civic ceremony for the flag raising at the Coronation Gardens, said: "Flying the Flag symbolises our commitment to supporting the national celebration as we make the final preparations for Sunday’s Armed Forces Day Event, which thanks all those who have and those who currently serve in our armed forces."

The flag raising ceremony marks the start of the run-up to Dudley's day of celebration of the armed forces on Sunday June 30 at Himley Hall and Park.

The free event, running from 11am to 5pm, will showcase vintage fairground rides, Punch and Judy shows and craft, food and vintage stalls.

A large display of historic military vehicles will return to the grounds and an original WW2 Dakota will fly past at 1.20pm.