'Salute their Service' plan for Armed Forces Week

A series of events in Telford to mark Armed Forces Week will be an opportunity to "bring people together to honour and celebrate those who serve and have served", the council has said.

The Salute Their Service programme includes walks, talks and community events across Telford and Wrekin borough between 22 June and 3 July.

The events run either side of Armed Forces Day itself on Saturday 27 June and the council's associated family fun day the following day.

Cabinet member for veterans, Paul Davis, said the events would "give our residents a chance to explore local military history and experiences, hear from knowledgeable speakers and spend time with others who share that connection".

The full programme of Salute their Service events includes:

• Monday 22 June (12:00 BST) - Wellington Methodist Church, with a short walk around Bowring Park followed by a talk from a local firefighter who served in the Royal Marines and afternoon tea
• Wednesday 24 June (12:00) - Newport Navy Club, featuring a canal walk and talk by local veteran Mike Smith
• Thursday 25 June (12:00) - Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub, Dawley, with a walk and talk led by historian Dave Shaw
• Sunday 28 June (11:00-17:00) - Armed Forces Family Fun Day at Broadoaks Playing Field, Donnington, a free event with entertainment, activities and military displays for all ages
• Monday 29 June (12:00) - Turreff Hall, Donnington, including a stop at Donnington War Memorial and presentation by Mike Smith
• Thursday 2 July (12:00) - The Anstice, Madeley, with a guided walk and talk from historian Alan Jones
• Friday 3 July (12:00) - The Wakes, Oakengates, featuring a walk around Hartshill Park and a talk by Mike Smith

The walks are free, but the authority is encouraging participants to book a space in advance.

In addition, the council said its Armed Forces Outreach team would be in Telford Town Centre on Tuesday 23 June, offering support, advice and information for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Local schools have also been invited to take part in a competition, aimed at drawing younger people in to the events.

Primary school pupils are being asked to design a poster celebrating the armed forces, with the winning design to be transformed into a painting for the Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub.

There is a writing competition for older children, with the winning entry also put on display at the hub.

Davis said: "Telford and Wrekin has a strong and proud connection to the armed forces, and as a council we are deeply committed to supporting those with a military connection."

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.