VETERANS are invited to come forward and have badges and medals presented by the Mayor of Dudley at this year’s Armed Forces Day event.

The free event, run by Dudley Council, will take place on Sunday June 25 in the grounds of Himley Hall and Park.

Running from 11am to 5pm , it will include a wing walking aerobatic display, All About Swing dance taster sessions, a craft fair, vintage fairground rides and more.

The Mayor of Dudley will also present former and current armed forces personnel with their HM Armed Forces Badges.

People are invited to come forward to register their interest to be presented with their badge, so they can be added to the running order for the day.

Councillor Andrea Goddard, Dudley's Mayor, said: "It’s important we take time to honour and reflect on the efforts and sacrifice of men and women who have served or continue to serve in our armed forces.

"Our Armed Forces Day gives us the opportunity to do just that.

"It will be a privilege to attend as Mayor this year and I look forward to presenting badges and medals to personnel."

People who think 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, or for medal queries DBS-Medals@mod.uk

Veterans need to have applied for and received their badge before contacting Dudley Council 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 a badges but not had it formally presented to them before, can contact Dudley Council on 01384 818186 to take part in the ceremony.