RESIDENTS in Clackmannanshire are being encouraged to come out and show their support at the county's Armed Forces Day Parade in June.

Saluting the armed forces, RBLS Clackmannanshire and District, Army and Air cadets, Girl Guides and veterans will parade through the town centre in Alloa, led by Dollar Academy Pipe Band.

The parade is taking place on Wednesday, June 1, morning and will also include the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag at the town hall.

An annual event, the parade celebrates the UK's armed forces – past, present and future. This year's theme is “Salute Our Forces for all that they do”.

Clackmannanshire's Lord-Lieutenant, Lt Col (Retd) Johnny Stewart, said: "2015 was the first year that we brought forward the date of our Armed Forces Parade into the school term and we had a marvellous turnout of reserves and all the youth groups.

“This parade and Remembrance Sunday are the two days in the year when we can remember those who have laid down their lives or are veterans of former conflict and we can show our support for our current armed forces who work so hard to keep us safe.

“I hope for a warm sunny day and a good turnout.”

The celebrations will begin at 10am on Drysdale Street and will involve more than 100 local Army and Air cadets of the 383 Squadron of the Air Training Corps and trainees of the Clackmannan Company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Dollar Combined Cadet Force, veterans and members of the Royal British Legion of Scotland Clackmannanshire and District as well as Girl Guides.

Dollar Academy Pipe Band, the Royal Regiment of Scotland's mascot, Lance Corporal Cruachan IV, a three-year-old Shetland pony and his predecessor Cruachan III will be there too.

The parade will first halt at the top of the High Street for a musical performance. It will then march to Alloa Town Hall, where those taking part will form up for inspection, before the flag is raised by the Lord-Lieutenant's cadets.

The ceremony will be followed by a civic reception for invited guests at the town hall.

Councillor Tina Murphy added: "Last year many of our citizens turned out to see the fantastic parade and to support our armed forces.

“This year, I'd like to encourage as many of the people of Clackmannanshire as possible to come along to see the parade and salute our forces for their service.

"This event is a way for all of us to show how grateful we are to our service men and women, both past and serving, for all the sacrifices they have made on our behalf.

“They deserve our support and recognition, and I look forward to seeing a great turnout for this Clackmannanshire event."