Rutland's newest Armed Forces Champion is encouraging people to show support for the British military by attending Armed Forces Week events.

Elected in May, Councillor Ian Razzell is also calling on businesses in the area to back Reserves Day by publicly showing support or holding a workplace talk or event.

Armed Forces Week begins with a flag raising ceremony at Oakham Castle on Monday, 24 June, before Reserves Day takes place on Wednesday, 26 June. The special week of events and activities culminates with Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 29 June.

Locally, the Armed Forces community makes up more than 15 percent of the population in Rutland with Reserve Forces accounting for approximately one sixth of this.

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that, should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military.

As an official advocate for members of the armed services, Cllr Razzell will support Rutland's serving personnel, veterans, families and cadets. He will also help the council to deliver on its commitments to the armed forces community.

Cllr Razzell, who served as a soldier and commissioned officer during a 32-year military career, says: "With my military background, I am really committed to continue the excellent work the council already does to ensure the link between our armed forces personnel and wider Rutland community stays as strong as ever.

"Armed Forces Week is a chance for us to show our appreciation to the men and women who have given, and continue to give, so much to the county and country.

"This support can provide a huge morale boost for both our current and retired service personnel, as well as their families, so I'd encourage as many people as possible to attend the upcoming events.

"We're also asking local businesses to thank our reservists for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving nationally and locally.

"Whether you're a large organisation, small business, charity or self-employed, celebrate Reserves Day on 26 June by publicly showing your support or holding a workplace talk or event."

The council is committed to supporting the armed forces and re-signed the national Armed Forces Covenant in December 2017, reaffirming its promise to do everything possible to help and support members of that community.

The council also launched the Armed Forces Discount Scheme in 2017, which provides discounts on goods and services to all armed forces personnel living in the area.

For more information about Rutland's Armed Forces Week click the red button below.

Businesses that would like to support Reserves Day can find out more at www.armedforcesday.org.uk/reserves-day.