Veterans and cadets will march proudly through the county town next month to mark Armed Forces Day.

Keith Mullen, from the Dorchester Armed Forces Committee, is looking forward to the event and is encouraging Dorchester to come and show their support and celebrate the Armed Forces and recognise the work it does.

This year, veterans and cadets will march from West Walks to the Borough Gardens, followed by Second World War vehicles.

The march will start at 1.35pm and proceed to the gardens where they will be a service at 1.45pm.

After the service, Mayor of Dorchester Cllr Susie Hosford, will present badges to any veterans who have applied for a badge.

The Durnovaria Band will then take to the bandstand and perform for the afternoon.

Mr Mullen said: “We’ve had to shorten the march this year - so it will be from the end of West Walks rather than the North Square - we’re all getting that little bit older. Some veterans are in their 90s and many are in their 80s.

“We’re hoping to get as many people there as possible, but if you are in the Armed Forces your assignments come first.

“It’s going to be a great day and hopefully the weather holds out for us.”

There will also be a host of stalls and entertainment in the Borough Gardens and a children’s competition. One stall will be manned by a local historian and will be illustrating Dorchester’s contribution to the Second World War.

Mr Mulled also thanked this year’s sponsors - A1 Building Services Ltd, Dorchester Disables Club, Dorchester Rotary Club and T Hulding Painter and Decorator.

Mr Mullen added: “The Dorchester Armed Forces Committee is mostly made up of the same people as when it started in 2006 - who are all regrettably getting older.

“It is disappointing not to see new faces, who may have fresh ideas.

“To serve on this committee it is not necessary to have served in the Army or our Armed Forced.

“It is only to have the desire to help the general public recognise what our Armed Forces have done and continue to do on our behalf.

“Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact Roy Dean on 01305 853442 - we would love to hear from you.”

A flag raising ceremony was held outside county hall on Monday but the town will be celebrating Armed Forces Day on Saturday, July 1 from 1.35pm to 4.30pm.

Families are invited to bring a picnic to the gardens and enjoy all there is on offer.