A RALLYING call for the people of Malvern to do something to mark Armed Forces Day has been met with an overwhelming response.

Support for the initiative has been coming in from all sides, with more than £10,000 pledged towards a full day of events celebrating the contribution made by our troops.

Towns and cities up and down the country will be holding events on Saturday, June 29, and Malvern’s efforts look set to compare to the best of them. Malvern’s deputy mayor John Jordan, who is organising the event, said he had been overwhelmed by the response since he first presented his idea for an event to the town council operations committee just over a month ago.

“It really was just an idea but it has really caught the imagination and the backing is more than I could possibly have hoped for. I didn’t imagine we’d be able to do something on this scale,” he said. “I think it shows others clearly shared the same enthusiasm for doing something to show the people who dedicate themselves to protecting our country that their efforts are appreciated.”

Events will begin at noon, with a parade featuring members of Malvern’s Boy’s Brigade and cadet forces, Royal British Legion branches and members of the 214 Battery Royal Artillery, starting at the bottom of Malvern Link Common. This will make its way to Victoria Park, where a special gala celebration, featuring music, entertainment, games and competitions and flying displays will be taking place until 8pm.

The event is being backed with grants of £3,000 from both Malvern Town Council and Malvern Hills District Council.