By Lucy Tyreman

RAF jets tore through the skies above Darlington this morning (Monday, June 20) as part of a ceremony to honour past and present servicemen and women.

The ‘Raise the Flag’ ceremony was held in Darlington’s Market Square and the Town Hall, to recognise the military’s contribution to keeping the country safe, in the run up to Armed Forces Day on June 26.

A parade of over 15 ex-servicemen and women assembled in the town centre to hear a short service delivered by Reverend Robert Williamson before the impressive flypast of four RAF Leeming jets.

Mayor of Darlington Cllr Brian Jones said: “The event recognises our armed services without whom, goodness knows where the country would be.

“They are so valuable to us.”

Major Neil Coatsworth MBE, thanked the people of Darlington for coming out to pay their respects and for their continued support.

Mayor Jones added: “I think it’s incredibly important that we do this every year, to raise the flag and to recognise our armed services.”

A further event is to take place in Darlington in support of Armed Forces Day when Proms in the Park takes to the Bandstand in Darlington’s South Park this Sunday from 3pm.