ON Saturday, June 30 the nation celebrates the commitment and dedication of our military personnel with Armed Forces Day.

This annual event is a time for us all to think about the work of the men and women who serve in our Forces. We should also remember that behind these brave individuals are the parents, partners and families of our troops. These people can sometimes be forgotten but bear the burden of Service life as much as those who are serving themselves.

The Somerset Branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help not only supports our Service personnel, past and present, but also their families and dependents.

SSAFA Somerset seeks to find ways that we can help where there is a genuine need. This can be anything from support for a mother whose son has been seriously injured in conflict, to a new television for the elderly widow of a D- Day veteran. It just takes one day's service to be eligible and that includes anyone who undertook National Service, their wives or widows.

If you or someone you know in Somerset has served in the military or has a military connection and needs help, then the local branch of SSAFA is here to assist. We can be contacted at 01984 624564.