County Durham has marked Armed Forces Week with a flag-raising ceremony at County Hall.

Representatives of the armed forces community, including various council members such as Coun. Joan Nicholson, Chair of Durham County Council, and Coun. Robert Potts, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, gathered on Monday for the ceremony.

Coun. Potts, who spoke at the ceremony said: "In the 80th anniversary year of D-Day, which typified the bravery and selflessness of our armed forces, we are proud to fly the flag for Armed Forces Week.

"It is important that we continue to demonstrate our support for serving personnel, and veterans and express our gratitude for the time that reservists give in service to their country.

"As an employer, we continue to support our employees who are reservists, and as a council to all those who serve or have served, along with their families".

It came at the start of a week full of events dedicated to those who serve, have served or are related to someone in service.

The week features Reserves Day on Wednesday 26 June, celebrating the dedication and professionalism of reservists, culminating in Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June.

Sue Snowdon, the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham said: "Every day our servicemen and servicewomen put their lives on the line for us with fortitude and bravery.

"They work to protect us in many different ways, from fighting wars to humanitarian relief, from peace-making to search and rescue and much else besides.

"They carry out these tasks in difficult and often dangerous conditions and they perform them superbly.

"They and their families give up much on our behalf and also, sometimes they pay a tragic price for our security.

"So, it is only right that we dedicate a day every year to recognise the work and sacrifice of our armed forces."