WEST Somerset residents of all ages joined together to honour the country's military heroes both past and present when they marked Armed Forces Day on Monday.

The ceremony was all the more poignant for representatives from Norton Fitzwarren-based 40 Commando Royal Marines who lost another member to the war in Afghanistan just 24 hours earlier.

Williton vicar, the Rev Richard Allen, said a prayer and the Royal British Legion raised the Standard before a special flag was raised outside West Somerset Council's main offices in Williton.

Council chairman Cllr Eddie May was joined by council colleagues, members of the public and local schoolchildren to mark the day.

Cllr May said: "We owe a massive debt to the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces.

"More than ever, our hearts and thoughts are with the service people who have lost their lives and with their families who now face a future without them, as well as with those have suffered injuries in the line of duty.

"Recent losses, especially those at nearby 40 Commando, remind us that people are making the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy freedom and peace at home."

Photos: Steve Guscott