Military personnel past and present will gather alongside members of the public to celebrate the role the armed forces play in our communities.

Events are being held in Carlisle, Penrith and Workington next week to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

A big crowd is expected in Carlisle city centre next Saturday for a day of festivities organised by the likes of the Royal British Legion with support from Carlisle City Council. It will be held from 10am onwards.

The programme will also include live music provided by the Border Concert Band and a cadet drill competition at 11am.

The mayor will present a citation of appreciation to the armed forces at 3.30pm, which will be received by a representative of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Tony Parrini, British Legion branch secretary (Carlisle and Stanwix branch), said: "The purpose of Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the civic authorities and members of the public to show their appreciation of the past achievements of our Armed Forces veterans.

"Also as a thanks to the ongoing work of today’s Armed Forces in maintaining the peace that we enjoy and the opportunities the Armed Forces offer our future generations.

"The display of the Armed Forces Day flag will send out a clear message that will be appreciated by all our service personnel, past, present and future.”

The event will finish at 3.30pm with a flag-lowering ceremony attended by different representatives.

A flag-lowering ceremony will also be held on Saturday at about 3.30pm.

Attendees will include the Mayor of Carlisle, the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman and members of the local sea, army and air cadet units.

The city will also be starting off the week with a formal flag-raising ceremony on Monday at 12pm outside the Old Town Hall.

Workington's flag-raising ceremony will take place on Monday at 10.30am when flags will be raised at Allerdale House.

Mary Bainbridge, the Mayor of Allerdale, will be joined by civic dignitaries, armed forces representatives and members of the public for a short ceremony.

It will include a short procession from the top of the Allerdale House car park down to the flag pole. Those wishing to join the procession are asked to gather at the top of the car park by 10.15am.

Eden Council is hosting its ceremony at 10am on Monday at Penrith Town Hall.

Chairwoman Mary Robinson will raise the flag with representatives from the Penrith and District branch of the Royal British Legion.

"We are always delighted to proudly fly the flag to celebrate Armed Forces Day as it symbolises the contribution the armed forces have and continue to make to our country," she said.

"We would be delighted for the local community to join members of The Royal British Legion and Eden councillors to pay our respects to those who serve our country."