RUNCORN veterans are staging their first Armed Forces Day event.

A military pipe band will lead former service men and women as they parade from Runcorn Cenotaph to Runcorn Cricket Club at 12.30pm on Saturday.

Ex-squaddie Billy Jones, 52, founder of Runcorn Veterans Association, said: “Everyone is welcome to join us for a relaxing afternoon.”

A cricket match between Runcorn and Post Sunlight from Ellesmere Port starts at 2pm followed by a community barbecue.

Raffles will be held.

All money raised will help to fund a variety of rehabilitation programmes to help former military personnel struggling to adjust to civilian life.

Vulnerable veterans facing mental health problems often have low self esteem and lack of confidence.

The charity runs workshops to help sufferers combat post traumatic disorders caused through conflict.

Admission is free and all are welcome.