A SPECIAL flag was raised to celebrate the first ever Armed Forces Day.

Members of the Royal British Legion attended the service on Epping High Street where Chairman of the Council Penny Smith raised the flag following a short service by Epping District Reverend Bryony Morrison.

A piper from the Epping Forest Pipe Band played the bagpipes throughout the ceremony which recognised the contributions of the Armed Forces.

Councillor Smith said: "The day is an opportunity for the whole nation to show it's appreciation for the contribution made by all those who serve or have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces, past, present and future."

Epping was one of hundreds of towns and cities around the country to fly a special flag throughout Armed Forces Week which runs from June 22 to 27.