ST HELENS' armed forces heroes will be honoured by a packed programme of events at Victoria Park.

As part of the borough’s 150th anniversary celebrations, members of the public, community groups and families are invited to the day.

The free event will start at 11am with an Armed Forces parade, followed by displays from St Helens, Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside Regiments.

Other attractions include vintage military vehicles, stalls, a funfair and a climbing wall – as well as musical performances at the Victoria Park bandstand from the Lancashire Artillery Pipes and Drum, the Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band, and local school choirs.

Meanwhile, a ‘Great Get Together’ event hosted by the Friends of Victoria Park in association with St Helens Rotary, W & B Cakes and the Bouquet Residence will also take place in the park that day, with flower arranging demonstrations (noon -1pm), and a Victoria Sponge Cake competition among the attractions.

Ashtons Green Allotments - in conjunction with St Helens Autism and Asperger Society – will also be promoting Grow, Sow Eat, giving members of the public the opportunity to purchase cakes, plants and garden decorations.

Encouraging the public to come out in force to support armed forces personnel, cabinet member for better health and building arts and culture, Cllr Gill Neal, said: “I’d like to thank the Ministry of Defence for their very generous contribution via the MOD Armed Forces Day Fund which has allowed us to stage such an occasion, which I’m sure will receive a great turn out in return.

“The day promises to have something for everyone to enjoy, so it would be great if the whole community could come out in force to support this event in recognition of the borough’s brave men and women.”

The council’s armed forces champion, Cllr Lynn Clarke, added: “Throughout history, our borough has been – and still is - home to some truly remarkable figures who have served their country impeccably; from the St Helens Pals and the borough’s Victoria Cross recipients during World War One, to the inspirational Afghanistan veteran, Andy Reid.

“This day is about showing our appreciation to people like them who have given their all for our freedom and safety – and also fantastic local organisations such as SAMs St Helens Armed Forces Hub which provides support for veterans and their families.”

St Helens Armed Forces Day will take place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, June 23.

Interested bakers looking to take part in the Victoria Sponge Cake competition are asked to enter beforehand by emailing fovpinfo@yahoo.com.