WAR veterans and cadets watched as flags were raised to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week yesterday.

The five flags hoisted up at the Old Steine War Memorial in Brighton were the Union Jack and the Army, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy flags.

The flag-raising ceremony took place at 2.15pm.

This was followed by the members of various groups and associations from around Brighton and Hove, such as the Hove and Adur Sea Cadets and the South Downs branch of the Royal Air Force police, marching to the Interfaith and Drumhead Service on the East Lawn in the Royal Pavilion Gardens.

President of the Brighton and Hove branch of the Royal British Legion Dudley Button, 79, said: “We are here to celebrate the beginning of Armed Forces Week, with Armed Forces Day next Sunday.”

A open air interfaith was held to honour those who died in the First World War.

Just before the flags were raised, deputy lieutenant for East Sussex Christopher Gebbie said: “Welcome to this ceremony to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week.

“This is a chance to offer support, encouragement and a sense of gratitude to those who choose to serve in the Armed Forces.

“It is also a chance to reflect on the fact that 100 years ago, the guns finally fell silent at the end of the First World War.”

He went on to talk of the many people who died in the conflict, and the people who were treated at the Royal Pavilion, which was converted into a hospital for wounded soldiers.

Deputy mayor for Brighton and Hove Councillor Alex Phillips then spoke of the continuing need for a British Army, saying that despite the peace the UK has enjoyed for a long time the world remains a dangerous place.

Among those who took part in the Interfaith and Drumhead Service after the raising of the flags were the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter Field and the Bishop of Lewes, the Right Reverend Richard Jackson.

They were joined by faith representatives, Brighton and Hove City Mayor Dee Simson, forces veterans’ representatives and cadets and members of the choir of All Saints Church in Hove.

On July 1, Armed Forces Day is being marked with a free family event at Blind Veterans UK in Greenways in Ovingdean, from 10.30am to 4pm.

Yesterday’s service formed part of the celebrations marking the centenary of the First World War and followed a programme of events over the last four years to commemorate it.

Events have included exhibitions, unveiling memorial stones to honour local people awarded the Victoria Cross during the conflict, and planting an avenue of trees in Hove Cemetery to remember those who lost their lives.