RESIDENTS across North Yorkshire are being urged to get behind online celebrations to mark Armed Forces Day to applaud the role played by military personnel during the pandemic.

Leaders of Hambleton council raised the flag to mark the week of celebrations which culminate on Saturday June 27. Events planned at Scarborough have been cancelled because of the virus. In North Yorkshire 12,000 people, four per cent of jobs, are in the Ministry of Defence and more than 3,000 children in the county’s schools are from service families.

Military personnel have been helping to distribute vital supplies during the crisis as well as run testing centres.

Leader of North Yorkshire county council councillor Carl Les called on people to go online to join in the celebrations. He added: "Their hard work and dedication has been indispensable to the national effort in keeping us safe. Recognition of their contribution is more deserved than ever."

A virtual celebration at www.scarborougharmedforcesday.co.uk will include military related videos, children's activities, personal stories and recollections from previous Armed Forces Day events. Cllr Les said their contribution has been invaluable and further celebrations are planned next year.