PETERSFIELD has shown its support for Britain's armed forces by raising a flag outside two council offices.

The official Armed Forces flag was raised outside Petersfield Town Hall during a short ceremony on Monday.

Clive Lewis, chairman of the Petersfield branch of the Royal British Legion, gave a short speech before the flag was hoisted at 11am.

Commander Lewis explained that there would be no exhortation as the act was in honour of people who currently serve in the British Armed Forces.

The flag will be flown outside town hall for the remainder of the week, to mark the fourth Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

A flag was also raised on Monday outside Penns Place, headquarters of East Hampshire District Council, by chairman Pat Seward.

Mrs Seward, who has a host of family military connections, said the armed forces truly valued the support of the nation.

She said: "It is so important for our servicemen to know that the public is behind them and they really appreciate it when the nation shows their support through an event like this."

Another ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day will take place at Horndean War Memorial at 6pm on Saturday.