Veteran who won gold at Invictus Games to join town's Armed Forces Day ceremony

Former Royal Engineer Gavin Watson, aged 35, was discharged from duty due to medical circumstances – but won gold for Team UK in the Archery event at the Games held in London in 2014.

A Help for Heroes ambassador, Gavin will be guest speaker at the Armed Forces Day ceremony, to be held outside the Civic Offices in Basingstoke on Monday, 24 June at 2pm.

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised and Basingstoke and Deane Borough mayor Councillor Diane Taylor will present badges to veterans.

The event is scheduled to include a flypast by a Chinook helicopter from RAF Odiham and a parade will take place from War Memorial Park, featuring a Corps of Drummers, RAF Odiham personnel, the 3PL (Basingstoke) Army Cadet Force, 443 (Basingstoke) Air Cadets and Basingstoke and Deane Sea Cadets.

Current service personnel and members of the public are welcome to attend this year’s Armed Forces Day, organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in partnership with Basingstoke and Overton Royal British Legion.

Funds raised from a collection at the free to attend event will support SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity which provides lifelong support to servicemen and women, veterans and their families.

Cllr Diane Taylor said: “I hope that many people will join me on June 24 to publicly thank the members of our Armed Forces for their dedication, their bravery and the incredible sacrifices they make for all of us.

“Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support for those in the armed forces community, from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets, and provides a much-valued morale boost.”

Any veterans who would like to receive a veteran’s badge presented by the mayor can contact Frank Connolly on 01256 414393 and leave their name, address, contact number, service and regiment.

Armed Forces Day this year is on Saturday, 29 June, but celebrated over a two-week period across Britain.