VETERANS will lead the way as Dorchester comes together for its Armed Forces Day celebrations this weekend.

A parade through the town on Saturday will see veterans joined by serving soldiers, cadets, the Wessex Military Band, Durnovaria Silver Band and representatives of the emergency services.

The procession will set off from North Square at 1.25pm and march along South Street, with Mayor of Dorchester Robin Potter taking the salute outside Barclays bank at 1.30pm.

It will then head up to the Borough Gardens, where there will be civic service from 1.50pm before an afternoon of music and entertainment until 4.30pm.

During the afternoon representatives from the Russian Embassy will present Arctic Convoy Medals to all those who took part in the Russian Convoys.

The convoys supplied an essential four million tonnes of arms, ammunition and food in freezing conditions with Winston Churchill describing each convey as an ‘epic achievement’.

There will be plenty for all aged to enjoy in the gardens on the day with a range of stalls, services displays, charity stands, military vehicles and refreshments.

Servicemen and women as well as veterans will also be happy to talk to people and answer any questions they may have.

The event is organised by a dedicated committee with support from the Royal Naval Association, Dorchester Town Council, the Dorchester branch of the Royal British Legion and many other organisations in the town.

Committee member Keith Mullen said: “This is not a fundraising event but a day that members of the public can see how our armed forces and veterans enhance everyone’s life by their service to the community.”

The committee arose nine years ago to support the idea of George Osborne, chairman of the Royal Naval Association (RNA), for Dorchester to recognise the support and benefits it gets from members and veterans of the armed forces.

Most of the present committee are advanced in years and all are members of the RNA.It is keen to get more of a spread into the committee, with new members to represent all of the armed and civilian services.

Mr Mullen said: “For the Armed Forces and Veterans Day to continue and progress, it is important to get more members that reflect the community that we support.”

Anyone interested in joining can contact Roy Dean on 01305 853442.

The RNA is also looking to mark 70 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day this year with a meal for anyone who served in the armed forces or Merchant Navy during the Second World War.

Anyone interested can also contact Mr Dean.