DUDLEY Council is calling on local veterans to come forward to receive special medals and badges at this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.

The event will be held at Himley Hall and Park on Sunday June 28 to celebrate the work of servicemen and women.

Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Margaret Aston will present medals and badges, including the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge to veterans living in the borough.

Cllr Aston said: “The highlight of every Armed Forces Day is recognising the contribution of veterans when their badges are presented.

“We especially want to hear from servicemen and women who are entitled to or have already been sent their HM Armed Forces Badges to have them officially presented during the day’s formal proceedings.

"The day really is a highlight in the civic calendar and one not to be missed.”

The event, which runs from 11am to 5pm, will include a youth marching band competition, a display of historic military vehicles and children’s entertainment including a zip line.

There will be band performances and the spectacular Beating of the Retreat will close the event.

Anyone who thinks they are entitled to one of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges should call the Veterans UK helpline on 0808 1914 218 or email SPVA-VeteransBadges@mod.uk or veterans-uk@mod.uk to apply.

Veterans need to have applied for and received their badges in order to have them presented on the day.

Second World War veterans who served on the arctic convoys and in the Bomber Command can also apply for their badge before Armed Forces Day by calling the Veterans UK helpline.

Anyone who has already received one of the badges but has not had it formally presented to them before, can contact Dudley Council on 01384 818186 to be part of the ceremony.