Mayor raises flag in tribute to Britain’s armed forces

The Mayor of the Borough of Rochdale, Councillor James Gartside, prepares to raise the flag by Rochdale Town Hall

A special flag was raised by the Mayor of the Borough of Rochdale, Councillor James Gartside, outside Rochdale Town Hall today to honour our service men and women.

The flag will remain flying until British Armed Forces Day on Saturday 30 June.

At this morning’s ceremony, The Reverend Canon Alan Shackleton delivered a moving tribute to the work and dedication of our armed forces. The ceremony was attended by members of the armed forces, councillors and council officers.

The Mayor said: “In Afghanistan and other parts of the world our forces are risking their lives to preserve our freedom and so it is right that we pay this tribute to them. Coming so soon after we celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this is a very fitting time to be honouring people who represent all that is best about our country.”