MP Nicola Blackwood was among those to mark the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag in Abingdon Market Place last Saturday.

She said: “It is incredibly important to communicate to the soldiers exactly how much support there is out there, across Abingdon, the county and the country.

“We must take every opportunity to show our unwavering support for the difficult and brave work our soldiers undertake each and every day.”

Mayor Mike Badcock praised the troops stationed at nearby Dalton Barracks.

He said: “It is quite simple: they are our armed forces, and they deserve our support on every possible occasion.

“It is good that we have a good link between the town and the camp. They come into Abingdon, they support our shops and industry, and their kids go to our schools.

“All the while, they are doing a job for all of us, and we are so proud of them for doing it.”