In honour of our Heroes

Saturday, June 29 is National Armed Forces Day and to celebrate, displays, games and refreshments will be on offer from 10.45am to 4pm around Sir Nigel Gresley Square in Doncaster town centre.

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: “Armed Forces Day is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together to acknowledge the borough’s brave servicemen and women and the selfless contribution the Armed Forces make to this country.

“I hope that we can show the town’s servicemen and women, past and present, just how proud we all are of them by packing Sir Nigel Gresley Square for these celebrations.”

The free programme includes a parade, multi-faith service of thanksgiving and the presentation of campaign medals to local military personnel returning from Operation Herrick in Afghanistan.

Local hero Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson will be asked to speak as part of the celebrations.

Civic Mayor Cllr Eddie Dobbs added: “All Doncaster residents are invited to join us for a full day of events and activities, which will include the chance to share memories with veterans from past wars and look at exhibits of war-time memorabilia in the One-Stop-Shop entrance, just off the square.”

Activities will also include free face-painting and balloon modelling as well as a variety of fairground rides, food retailers and craft stalls.