An Armed Forces Day flag – based on the Union Flag – will be among flags raised at councils, schools and businesses across Merseyside this week.

Liverpool veterans, servicemen and civic dignitaries will meet at 1pm on Saturday to march from St Nicholas Church in Chapel Street to a celebration event at the Town Hall.

The Armed Forces Day flag will also be flown at Bootle, Crosby and Southport Town Halls all this week.

Sefton mayor Alf Doran said: "Our Armed Forces and veterans rightly deserve the nation’s support and recognition."

Groups and residents will march from St Helens Town Hall to the Cenotaph in Victoria Square at 11.50am on Saturday.

There will be a short service and the pipes and drums of the 103 Regiment Royal Artillery – the Lancashire Gunners – will perform Beating Retreat.

There will also be several events in Southport, mostly in Victoria Park.

The Armed Forces flag was raised outside Wallasey Town Hall in Wirral and Huyton’s One-Stop Shop in Knowsley, yesterday.

There will also be a parade and civic reception at Runcorn Town Hall tomorrow eveningWED, starting at 7.15pm.