Flying the flag for our Armed Forces

Sgt Kaye Wilson MBE, who has completed three tours in Afghanistan and is based at the Defence Animal Centre, raised the flag at a ceremony at Parkside on Monday to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

She was joined by Mayor John Illingworth, the Rector of St Mary’s Church the Reverend Kevin Ashby, veterans, current servicemen and women and military dogs and horses, cadets, representatives of the emergency services and members of the public. RSM Adrian Davies took the lead in the parade.

In his welcome address Councillor Illingworth said: “It is a privilege to be here and celebrate and commemorate the bravery of the men and women who fight tyranny and terrorism.

“Today we acknowledge our debt of gratitude and that of millions of people around the world to those who face danger on a daily basis and are prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.”

Rev Ashby then led a short service and blessing of the flag.

Sgt Wilson, whose actions uncovering bombs with her explosives sniffer dog have saved countless lives, said it was ‘huge honour’ to be asked to raise the flag, adding: “I was thinking about all the people currently on operations as I hoisted it.”

Among those watching was Joan Ward, of Grantwood Road, Melton, and her young grandaughter Sophie. She said: “My husband Brian was in the parade and we wanted to show our support. Our Armed Forces do a great job.”