THE High Street in Andover stood still and silent as the Armed Forces Day Flag was raised above the Guildhall in an official ceremony on Monday.

Simultaneous events took place in Andover and Romsey in Test Valley as Mayor Janet Lovell was joined by members of the Andover branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and the general public.

The flag was blessed by the Rev Canon John Harkin before it was raised, and Brian Page, Andover RBL branch chairman, read the exhortation with the Last Post sounding.

The mayor said: “This is a very poignant and important day of recognition everywhere and especially so this year.

“I was delighted to see so many stopping in the High Street to join us in making that recognition and on a fabulous day as our armed services do so much for our civic life.”