Names added to remembrance book

Troops line up close to Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre

Events have taken place across the West Midlands to mark the inaugural Armed Forces Day.

In Birmingham, a ceremony was held in Centenary Square to add the names of three servicemen who died during the past year to a Book of Remembrance.

This was followed by a number of displays and performances.

A parade was held in Dudley and more celebrations held at the military hospital in Selly Oak and the National Memoriam Arboretum near Lichfield.

The three names added to the Book of Remembrance were those of:

• Corporal Robert Deering, 33, of the Commando Logistics Regiment Royal Marines, killed near Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on Sunday 21 December.
• Trooper James Munday, 21, of the Household Cavalry, killed in a blast during a routine patrol in Helmand province in October.
• Sapper Mark Quinsey, 23, shot dead as he collected pizzas outside Massereene Army base in Northern Ireland on 7 March.

The events are intended to thank serving troops, their families and veterans for their contribution.