TRIBUTES honouring the work and dedication of our brave past and present servicemen and women were made in Redditch on Alcester on Saturday when the towns celebrated Armed Forces Day.

In Redditch, a moving speech was made by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Michael Clarke as well as a reading from town Mayor Joe Baker.

The service was conducted by reverend Richard Clark.

MP Karen Lumley laid six white roses at the cenotaph in Plymouth Road in memory of MP Jo Cox, who was fatally shot and stabbed outside the library in Birstall, West Yorkshire on June 16.

Council leader Bill Hartnett said: "The rain did not dampen our spirits and enthusiasm when singing the nation anthem.

"The route of the parade was lined with cheering residents.

"The referendum split and divided the country down the middle and I said 'from today (Saturday, June 25) we should, as a country, unite again'.

"I can think of no better occasion to start that process by supporting our armed services and families of our armed services."

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant Michael Clarke said: "It is good to be able to leave behind the tumultuous events of the last few days and to think of our armed forces and all that they have done and do to create a safe and secure society. We do that with deep gratitude.

"This year our gathering is made all the more poignant. On Friday we will remember the 100th anniversary of the battle of the Somme, the darkest day in the history of our armed forces, when 19,000 men lost their lives. We will remember them."

Mrs Lumley added: "It is vital we show our support for the armed forces of this country and show our appreciation for all that they have done in the past, and continue to do, to keep us all safe."

In Alcester, about 120 Royal British Legion members, veterans and townsfolk turned out for the 2016 Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony and Garden Party.

A poignant service was led by Legion Deputy Chaplain Reverend Jim Symonds and two army cadets helped to raise a flag.

After the service, everyone gathered around the War Memorial to officially Salute Our Forces, as part of the national campaign.

The event was followed by a garden party with tea and cake in the grounds of The Old Rectory.

The event raised more than £400 for the Alcester branch of the Royal British Legion.

Alcester Royal British Legion secretary David Malin said: "We had a great day and did our forces proud. It's very important for us in The Legion to say an official thank you to past, present and future members of HM Armed Forces and this was an ideal opportunity."