VETERANS and serving armed forces personnel are being invited by the Mayor of Bolton to a special lunch.

But if they want to attend, they have until this Friday to let the mayor’s office know.

The lunch will be one of a number of activities taking place during Armed Forces Week.

On Monday, June 24 there will be the Raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag to start the week.

There will be a short service on Victoria Square at 11am, at the War Memorial, to which veterans, serving personnel and standard bearers are invited.

It will be followed by lunch in the Town Hall, hosted by Mayor, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, to which all Veterans and serving personnel are invited. Anyone who is a veteran or knows of veterans or serving personnel who would like to attend is asked to contact the Mayor’s Office, on 01204 331090 or email mayorsoffice@bolton.gov.uk by Friday, June 14 to book a place.

Armed Forces Day will take place on Saturday, June29 on Victoria Square from 10am until 3.30pm.

There will be a formal service and wreath laying at 11am in commemoration of VE Day, VJ Day and other conflicts, followed by displays, music, competitions, activities and interesting things to see for all the family.

It includes a tug of war competition, Bolton Wanderers Community Trust football stadia and football darts; Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Military Band; military vehicles and guns; cadet challenge competition; emergency service vehicles; lots of stalls; the Home Guard, and lots more fun for all the family.

Cllr Fairclough said: “Armed Forces Week is a timely reminder of the sacrifice of our veterans and current serving personnel for our country.

“This month sees the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings and the beginning of the Normandy Campaign. We will be commemorating their service during the war and other conflicts around the world and it will be my honour to host them during the lunch.”