Ross was the centre of celebrations for Armed Forces Day in Herefordshire on Saturday.

A day of activities and displays at The Ropewalk, organised by Ross Town Council and the local branch of the Royal British Legion highlighted the honour with which the armed forces are held in the county.

The day was officially opened by the Mayor of Ross, Cllr Ed O’Driscoll, and the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire Mr Edward Harley.

The Lord Lieutenant said: “I would like thank the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Cllr Ed O’Driscoll, Ross Town Council, the Royal British Legion and all those involved in the organisation

“It is most appropriate, given that as many as 25 per cent of the county of Herefordshire have some sort of allegiance to the armed forces, that we celebrate this day in style and huge credit to Ross for pulling together such a wonderful programme.

“By celebrating today we are showing our support for the armed faces which I hope will provide a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families.”

Cllr O’Driscoll said: “After the mandatory Covid postponement we are all truly delighted to finally host Armed Forces Day here in Ross on behalf of the whole of Herefordshire.”

He said the town council had recently adopted the Armed Forces Covenant.

The British Legion was among several local organisations represented at the event – and they were using their new gazebo for the first time.

Other organisations included the sea and air and army cadets, the Lions Club and the Horizon Centre.

There were displays of Napoleonic-era soldiery, the skills of the sea and marine cadets, the Dolloway Dancers and a musical finale by the Waterloo Band and the bugles of the Rifles.

It was the first time that musicians from the regiment – which was given the freedom of the town in 2013 – had performed in Ross.

Among the many supporters who attended the event was Lt Col Ian R Gumm who helps organise the veterans’ breakfast club which is held at the church hall on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10am.