The great and good of Wem rallied together to provide a bumper turnout when the town celebrated Armed Forces Day.

It started with Thomas Adams School pupil Harry Halford performing a solo drum call heralding a public announcement from town mayor Councillor Edward Towers about Wem’s Thanksgiving Day.

Cllr Towers was delighted with how the day went and felt it was an important tribute to all those who have served in the armed forces.

He said it was a great occasion of celebration and thanksgiving in which so many aspects of town life were represented. This could be seen from the wide number of representatives taking part.

He said: “The good weather too played its part making it a memorable occasion for all as thanks were visibly expressed to our armed forces, as well as to those from this area who have served in them.”

A flag was presented to Wing Commander Marcus Collinge from RAF Shawbury who carried it through the town to the parish church lawn as the sound of bells rang in the background. The ringers were under the leadership of Captain of the Bells Gareth Jones.

The flag was then handed to Chief Fire Officer Philip Smith who, escorted by firefighters and army cadets, took it to the town’s newly purchased flag pole where it was ceremoniously raised in front of town councillors and other leading dignitaries.

The ceremony, which took place at the end of last month, was organised by Ian Thompson, formerly of the Royal Navy, who was the parade marshall.

The service continued to the accompaniment of stirring military music arranged and organised by Guy Booth and Graham Joynes.

It was followed by refreshments including home-made cakes made especially for the occasion by Wem Branch of the Women’s Institute and other friends of the town.