ARMED forces veterans from across the Dudley borough are being encouraged to come forward for the Mayor of Dudley to present them with a medal this later this month.

Serving and ex-armed forces personnel will join the Mayor for Armed Forces Day on June 30 at Himley Hall, where armed forces veterans will be presented with medals and badges including the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge.

Councillor David Stanley, Mayor of Dudley, said: "Armed Forces Day is always a wonderful occasion where we can celebrate the work of our armed forces, past and present.

"One of the best aspects of the day is having the opportunity to speak to people who have served in the armed forces and present them with their badges and medals.

"I would urge anyone who has badges or medals to get in contact with us so we can add them to this packed programme for the day and give them the recognition they richly deserve.”

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 dbs-modmo-vetsbadge@mod.uk to apply.

Veterans need to have applied for and received their badge before contacting Dudley Council in order to have them presented on the day.

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.

The free event at Himley Hall on June 30 includes performances by Victory Gal Melissa and Pete’s War Time Show, the Beating Retreat lead by RAF Cosford and The Band of the Mercian Regiment, a display of historic military vehicles and children’s entertainment including vintage fairground rides and Punch and Judy.