WEYMOUTH'S annual Armed Forces Day commemoration is set to be stronger than ever after a much-welcomed funding boost.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has given £10,000 towards the event which sees thousands of visitors come to the town each year.

This year's Armed Forces Day celebrations take place between Saturday, June 20 and Friday, June 26.

The borough council’s events team is 'delighted' with this successful funding grant, enabling the event to go from strength-to-strength and deliver a strong programme for the many veterans and visitors to enjoy.

Further good news for this year’s event is confirmation that the prestigious HM Royal Marine Band will lead the veteran’s seafront parade on Sunday.

Highlights for this year’s festival will include:

• Service of remembrance

• Major seafront veteran’s parade

• Beach re-enactment display

• Historic military vehicle displays and convoy from Weymouth Esplanade to Osprey Leisure Centre, Portland

• Marching and performing bands including Wessex Military Band, Guard Division Corps of Drums

Association and Dolphin Marching Band Matt Ryan, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s tourism and events manager said: “This is great news for the borough and a resounding success for the organising team and local veterans. I would like to express my thanks to the Ministry of Defence for their recognition and support.

“The success of this event and its many partnerships reinforces the borough’s growing ability and confidence to attract funding, negotiate and deliver top-class events.”

The Weymouth and Portland Armed Forces Day Celebrations has generated a considerable annual economic boost for the borough since it was established in 1996. This year’s event will welcome over 1500 veterans and their families, as well as residents and visitors to enjoy a packed programme of commemorations and celebrations.