VETERANS are set to parade through Dorchester to recognise the contribution of those in the armed forces.

The county town’s Armed Forces and Veterans Day on Saturday, July 7 will celebrate the efforts of those who have served or are serving their country.

The annual event will start with a parade from North Square down South Street before the veterans head up to the Borough Gardens.

There will be an Armed Forces Day and Civic Service in the gardens at 2pm followed by an afternoon of musical entertainment from the Wessex Military Band, the Dorchester Big Band and the Durnovaria Silver Band.

The Armed Forces and Veterans Day has been organised by the Royal Naval Association (RNA) with support from Dorchester Town Council.

The branch chairman of the RNA and chairman of the event George Osborne said the day had rightly become a well-established and popular event over the years.

He said: “I was always adamant that as the county town we should be the forerunners for this sort of thing and thankfully we have become that.

“It’s got bigger over the years and it’s a smashing day, long may it continue because when you think many of the people that served in the Second World War are now in their 90s each year the numbers are diminishing.”

Mr Osborne urged people to come and make a day of it in the Borough Gardens after the parade.

He said: “I would encourage everyone to come along, bring a picnic and enjoy the day.”

Deputy town clerk Steve Newman, who last year was awarded honorary membership of the RNA for his support of the organisation, said the town council was glad to support the event again in 2012.

He said: “The town council has supported it since the start and we are pleased to be working with the RNA to put on the event.

“We also have our Civic Service as part of the day in the gardens.”

The event has also been boosted by support from the Royal British Legion, the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, The Hand in Hand Lodge of The Oddfellows, Dorchester Rotary Club, J Loving builders and the Ministry of Defence. As part of the day veterans will be presented with badges in recognition of their service, with anyone who has served in the forces entitled to receive one.

For more information and an application form call 01305 853442 or 01300 320718.